The Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, will be modified by a resolution that the AAP-led Punjab government will present to the the law on June 20 during the special session. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-announced proposed amendment aims to protect Gurbani’s free telecast rights from the Golden Temple. With this action, the Sikh community will have easier access to the holy Sikh books and will be made more aware of their messages.
“In a historic decision aimed at ensuring the free-to-air telecast of sacred Gurbani from Sri Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925,” an official statement said.
Harjinder Singh Dhami, head of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has opposed the proposal, saying that any amendments to the law must be made in collaboration with the Shiromani Committee’s elected Sikh community leaders.
“The Punjab government has no right to amend this Act. Do not confuse the nation for your political interests,” Dhami said in a series of tweets. “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,” he added.
The SGPC chief argues that the telecast of Gurbani is not ordinary and should not be treated as such due to its sanctity and dignity.