In People v. Singh (135 Misc 2d 701, 516 NYS2d 412 [Crim Ct, Queens County 1987]), the defendant carried a kirpan in open view and outside his clothing. The police issued a summons to defendant. Defendant argued that the knife is a symbol of his religion, and the First Amendment of the US Constitution afforded defendant protection to wear the knife. Although the court ultimately dismissed the complaint in the interests of justice, the court first suggested that if defendant encased the knife in a "solid protective element such as plastic or lucite," this would remove it from the "knife and weapons category" under Administrative Code 10-133 (People v. Singh, 135 Misc 2d at 707).