The Irish Sikh Council (ISC) has denied weekend media reports that it is considering a High Court challenge against An Garda Síochána over the wearing of turbans.

The row broke out after it emerged a Sikh recruit to the Garda Reserve was told he would not be allowed wear his turban on duty.

It had been reported that the ISC had sought advice from representatives of a police officer who successfully overturned a similar ban in New York.

But ISC president Harpreet Singh said no decision has been made on a legal challenge. "The Irish Sikh Council is very much hopeful that the issue can be amicably resolved," he said.

Members of the Sikh community are to meet Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy next week to discuss the issue.

The Garda has rejected claims that its decision to ban the turban from its official uniform was religiously or racially motivated.

Mr Conroy said last week that the Garda sought the advice of UK police forces and met representatives of the approximately 1,000-strong Sikh community in Ireland before deciding that Sikh gardaí in Ireland would not wear a turban.

The issue has forced the Garda to say it will review the wearing of ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday, of crucifixes and of pioneer pins with the official uniform. "All religious items are being reviewed," a spokesman said.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0827/breaking28.htm