Within Sikh tradition, the ceremonial dagger is linked to the duty to protect others. However, this does not create a legal right to use force.

Henry Nowak murder case has prompted questions about religious exemptions for Sikh ceremonial blades

The killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, who is Sikh, had reported to police that he was the victim of a racist attack by Henry Nowak, who was white.

On a city street last December, Vikrum Digwa, 23, murdered Henry Nowak, 18, with the kirpan dagger.