Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today took up with French President Nicolas Sarkozy the issue of ban on turban in France.

Dr Singh raised the issue during his talks with Sarkozy who responded by saying that there is no ban on wearing of turban in France though use of religious symbols in certain situations was prohibited, sources said. The French government had said in 2004 that Sikh students could not wear turbans to schools as turbans were religious symbols.

Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani also took up the matter with Sarkozy when he called on the latter. Sources close to Advani said Sarkozy assured him that he would look into the matter.

The move has led to large-scale protests among the Sikh community, which argues that wearing a turban is not just a religious symbol but a part of Sikh identity. But the protests have had little impact on France which has steadfastly refused change its policy.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and other Sikh groups have been protesting against the ban in the run-up to Mr Sarkozy's visit to India. The SGPC had even asked for an appointment with Mr Sarkozy to make a representation to him.