Khurshid : I will wear the prescribed uniform. But the question is if I can wear anything more which is important for my culture.
Khurshid : Qualified public space may hold good in some places. If I am in the Army, I have to wear the prescribed uniform. If I am a member of Bar Council, I have to wear the prescribed uniform.
Khurshid : The idea of unity in diversity comes from this preservation of composite culture.
Khurshid addressing the court on the issue of "qualified public spaces". Says HC has quoted Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(h) ( promotion of scientific temper..). But HC ingored 51A(f) which speaks of preserving "composite culture".
Khurshid : In America, there are conscientious objectors, who are treated one way or other. Muhammad Ali was a great boxer who was a conscientious objector against Vietnam war and he had to face prison
Khurshid : Conscience has to be a single person's.
Khurshid explains to the bench the differences between burqa, jilbab, hijab.
Justice Gupta : With due respect, we will not like to keep the Holy Book. You may give us the print outs of the relevant verses.
Khurshid : It can go to the judges' library.
J Gupta : Judges library has a copy.
Khurshid : Our jurisprudence recognizes culture as well as religion. Since your lordships have been addressed on essential religious practice, I will not elaborate.
Justice Dhulia : What is your view? Is it an essential religious practice?
Khurshid : It can be seen as religion, can be seen as conscience, can be seen as culture, can be seen as individual dignity and privacy.