An Garda Siochána will face an Equality Tribunal hearing over their decision not to allow a member of the Sikh community wear his turban on duty as a member of the Garda Reserve.

Mediation between the force and members of the Sikh community has failed to resolve the disagreement between the two groups and a private hearing will now be held.

Ravinder Singh, a qualified IT professional in his 20s, lodged a formal complaint of discrimination with the equality body last year after gardaí ruled in 2007 that he would not be permitted to wear a turban while on duty.

If the tribunal finds in favour of the Sikh, it could be forced into the unprecedented situation of reversing its decision and allowing the man to join the reserve and wear his turban on duty.

Singh volunteered to join the voluntary force because he understood the turban would be permitted.

The Equality Tribunal is an independent and quasi-judicial body and its decisions and settlements are legally binding.

The row erupted in August 2007 when Singh was told he would not be permitted to wear the headgear while on duty.

When gardaí began a drive in 2005 to recruit foreign nationals into the reserve force, representatives from the Sikh community met with the authorities and say they outlined the dress code for Sikhs.

Singh completed his training for the Garda Reserve while wearing his turban but when he was issued his uniform, he was informed he was not permitted to wear the turban.

The garda stance has been that all members are required to wear standard-issue uniform when on operational duties.

Representatives from the Sikh community have discussed the issue with junior minister for integration Conor Lenihan.

Lenihan has backed the garda stance, saying people who come and live here must respect our cultural requirements.

Sikh representatives have also discussed it with former garda commissioner Noel Conroy.