‘Sarbat Khalsa’ row: Mann files petition to challenge FIR against him

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann on Thursday moved a petition in the high court -- second within a week -- challenging the FIR filed by Punjab Police against him following the radical Sarbat Khalsa organised at Chabba village in Amritsar on November 10

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann on Thursday moved a petition in the high court -- second within a week -- challenging the FIR filed by Punjab Police against him following the radical Sarbat Khalsa organised at Chabba village in Amritsar on November 10.

In his petition filed before the high court registry, it was argued that organising ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ was the right of Sikhs and he had not committed any crime. (HT Photo)

Mann was booked on charges of sedition, promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy among other sections. In his petition filed before the high court registry, it was argued that organising ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ was the right of Sikhs and he had not committed any crime. No illegal activity was held there. The FIR filed by police did not mention as to which resolution was illegal and what were the contents of the resolution, it was stated. Mere appointment of jathedars could not be termed illegal. He did not speak from the stage nor any religious feelings were hurt. Also, it is a settled law that mere demand of Khalistan is no offence, his counsel Ranjan Lakhanpal said, while talking about the grounds of the petition.

Another petition moved by him last Thursday was against his arrest after the Sikh congregation, wherein it was said that it was done despite the high court order that he be intimated a week before any such move. He has also sought action against the Amritsar deputy commissioner and senior police officials.