• By Nikhil Singh
  • Mon, 19 Jun 2023 01:16 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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JE News Desk: The AAP-led Punjab government has introduced a new clause in the Sikh Gurudwara Act of 1925 to make the broadcast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar 'free for all'. The new clause was approved by CM Bhagwant Mann led cabinet on Monday and will be passed by the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

The Chief Minister announced that with the introduction of the new clause in the Sikh Gurudwara Act, there will be no requirement to get any tender from the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). Presently, the SGPC has handed the rights to broadcast the Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) to G Next Media Private Limited, which is a company that owns PTC News.

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This channel has the sole right to broadcast Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib worldwide. PTC News is owned by Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal.

"With the blessings of God, we are going to make a historic decision tomorrow, as per the demand of all devotes, we are adding a new clause in the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 that the transmission of Gurbani from Harminder Sahib will be free for all... no tender required... tomorrow in the cabinet... on June 20, a vote will be taken in the state assembly," CM Mann tweeted.

Earlier, when Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had raised the issue of making Gurbani tender-free, the proposal was vehemently contested by the SGPC (which is the highest Sikh body), the Badal family, and their Akali Dal, according to media reports. Even now the SGPC has released a statement and criticised the move by the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

“Chief Minister @BhagwantMann Sir, do not try to interfere with the religious affairs of the Sikhs. Sikh affairs are related to the sentiments and concerns of the Sangat, in which governments have no right to interfere directly. You are talking about adding a new section by amending the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925,” the top Sikh body said in the tweet.

“Don't try to confuse matters. Sikh affairs are related to the sentiments and concerns of the Sangat, in which governments have no right to interfere directly,” the statement addressed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann read. In this statement, the SGPC claimed that the government seems to be unaware of the process of amending the Sikh Gurudwara Act.

“This task can be done by the Government of India only in the Parliament with the recommendations of the Shiromani Committee, a body chosen by the Sikh community. The Punjab Government has no right to amend this Act,” SGPC said.

“Do not confuse the nation for your political interests. Gurbani broadcast is not a normal broadcast, its sanctity and ethics should not be neglected,” the statement added.

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Akali Dal also slammed the move calling it “unconstitutional” and an interference in the Sikh religious activities.

“Hon'ble Chief Minister, this act of yours is unconstitutional and a direct interference in the religious activities of the Sikh community. The Sikh Gurdwara Act is under Parliament. The Sikh community has elected the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through voting to take decisions regarding Guru Ghar under this Act of Parliament. Has the above committee passed any such resolution in this regard? Without that, even the Parliament cannot amend this Act,” Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema tweeted.

Congress’ Central leadership has not reacted to this controversy yet but in the state two divergent views have emerged. Chairman of All India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, opposed the moved but former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has welcomed it.

“As far as my knowledge goes Punjab government cannot tinker or amend or add to the existing Sikh Gurudwara Act 1925 as its a central act! I wonder how @BhagwantMann is speaking to add a clause in the said Act! Yes the Vidhan Sabha can pass a resolution and send it to Center for addition of their demand,” Khaira tweeted. He explained that the purpose of his tweet was to just question whether it is legal for Punjab government to amend an act passed by the Parliament.

“Sarb Sanjhi Gurbaani” …….. means for one and all with no discrimination ………… this was a cherished desires of millions of sikhs across the globe including me……… commendable effort @BhagwantMann ……… Kudos,” Congress’ Navjot Singh Sidhu said in a tweet.