BRITAIN'S first Asian judge has criticised schools for not allowing baptised Sikhs to wear Kirpans, or ceremonial daggers to school.

Compton School in Summers Lane, North Finchley, came under criticism last year when it banned the dagger on health and safety grounds.

Governors suggested a 14-year-old Sikh boy at the school should wear a 5cm version of the knife welded shut, but this was rejected by his family on the grounds it would not be a genuine Kirpan.

They decided to take him to another school rather than comply, although the school did hold a place open for the boy.

Sir Mota Singh QC, who is retired, said that Sikhs should be allowed to wear their Kirpans in public places, including schools. "Not allowing someone who is baptised to wear a Kirpan is not right," Sir Mota told BBC Asian Network.

"I see no objection to a young Sikh girl or boy, who's been baptised, being allowed to wear their Kirpan if that's what they want to do."

Sir Mota was interviewed on Monday after receiving a knighthood in the 2010 New Year Honours list.

He joined the bench in 1982 when he was Britain's first Asian judge and raised eyebrows when decided to wear a white turban instead of a wig.

Sir Mota told the BBC that being a Sikh was more important to him than anything else and he would have refused the appointment if he had been asked to remove his turban.

He added: ""I wear my Kirpan and I've always worn it for the last 35 to 40 years, even when I was sitting in court or visiting public buildings, including Buckingham Palace."

In Sikhism, the Kirpan is one of the five "articles of faith" that must be carried at all times by baptised Sikhs.

It is usually carried in a sheath attached to a cloth belt and worn under clothing so most people are unaware it is there.

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