Last month, I had the honour of attending the inauguration event for Sikhs in Law at the Supreme Court. There, I was appointed as a Council member of Sikhs in Law and recognised for my work in criminal justice and equality and diversity.

Senior Sikh Judges, and other High Court and circuit Judges and Silks attended this historic event, including Lord Justice Rabinder Singh, Mr Justice Saini and Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, and it was hosted by Supreme Court Justice Lord Leggatt. Many other distinguished guests included Lord Sahota, Tan Dhesi MP, Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill, Chair of Bar Council Nick Vineall and some of my colleagues from CPS Thames & Chiltern.

Who is the Council of Sikhs?

The Council of Sikhs is a governing body that oversees the Sikhs in Law Association. The Association is committed to upholding the rule of law and civil liberties, and promoting, developing and raising the profile of the Sikh community in the legal profession. It was a privilege to be the only public service lawyer and member of the CPS admitted to the Council. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that represents its membership, is committed to improving diversity and representation, and supports others wanting to set up law groups. Importantly, membership is open to those from any background, not only Sikhs - so please consider joining.

At a separate event before the inauguration, an Indian delegation met with the Director. This further highlights the global reach and impact of the Association and their commitment to empowering the Sikh community within the legal sector.

My CPS journey

As I stepped into the Supreme Court, I recalled my time as a young law clerk in the early 1990s when I used to attend that building in Parliament Square to cover cases for CPS London. Not only has the building been magnificently restored and repurposed, it is now also open to the public for visits. How times have changed, to see the full display of the Panj Pyare, the five Beloved Ones, carrying and holding their kirpans in traditional dress and singing their prayers inside the highest court in the country - and to be supported by the Justices of the Supreme Court.

Diversity was fully embraced at this event. It was incredible to see so many senior guests from a range of backgrounds and diaspora, supported by MPs and members of the House of Lords. There was a real sense of togetherness. I know there is still a lot of work to do in ensuring equality of opportunity and fairness in the legal world, but it is also important to recognise the progress that has been made so far.

Representing our communities

The CPS is working hard to improve representation. For example, our Anthony Walker Foundation Bursary aims to increase diversity in the CPS by inspiring and supporting students of minority backgrounds into rewarding careers as prosecutors. We want to recruit from the widest pool of talent and provide opportunities for those from underrepresented groups to succeed. It's vital that we have a diverse workforce that reflects our communities.

As the CPS’s Race & Ethnicity Champion, I have worked with many people from ethnic minority backgrounds who want to work for our organisation. I have helped them to navigate the recruitment process and have acted as a mentor, providing support and advice along the way. I am also a founding member of the CPS’s Sikh Society, and I was delighted that the network donated to the inauguration event.

Last month’s inauguration event was incredibly significant, both on a personal level, and more widely for our organisation. Sikhs in Law is an inspiring Association that carries out crucial work to promote diversity and representation in the legal sector. I am honoured to be a part of it, and I hope that my work with the CPS can help further its important goals. As we work together to create a more inclusive society, it is vital we support each other to bring about change. Together, we can continue building a legal profession that represents the communities we serve.