Sikh clergy order on prior permission for opening gurdwaras challenged
A Punjab and Haryana high court advocate on Saturday filed a petition challenging Sikh clergy order, whereby it has been made mandatory to seek its approval before constructing a gurudwara in any part of the world.
A Punjab and Haryana high court advocate on Saturday filed a petition challenging Sikh clergy order, whereby it has been made mandatory to seek its approval before constructing a gurudwara in any part of the world.
The petition was filed on Saturday by RS Dhull, an advocate with Punjab and Haryana high court seeking quashing of the order and has sought to make Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) as party in the case, besides, Punjab government.
The decision to this effect was taken by Sikh clergy on September 10 after a meeting, the petitioner said adding that order was against the freedom of religion as enshrined in the Constitution of India. The right of freedom of religion cannot be curtailed and no such restriction or prior permission could be demanded, it has been argued.
“Gurudwaras are declared as notified under the provisions of Sikh Gurudwaras Act, 1925 by respective government order. SGPC shall have no power to get and manage affairs of a gurudwara which is not declared as such,” the petitioner has stated. The petition is likely to come up for hearing next week.
