Unilateral amendments an attack on democratic rights of Sikhs : Jhindha
Chandigarh, August 10, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) has strongly condemned and outright rejected the recent amendments to the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara (Management) Act, 2014, and Haryana Sikh Judicial Commission approved by the BJP-led Haryana government on August 1. Calling the move a “direct attack” on the rights of elected members and the democratic principles of Sikh institutions, the Committee vowed not to tolerate any attempt at political takeover of gurdwara management.
A unanimous resolution rejecting the amendments was passed at a general house meeting in Kurukshetra, where HSGMC members expressed outrage that the cabinet acted without any consultation with the elected representatives. The committee has sought an urgent meeting with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and announced a Panthic conference before August 22 to unite Sikh voices against the move.
“This is an insult to the Sikh Panth and to the sanctity of democratic elections in our gurdwara institutions,” said HSGMC President Jagdish Singh Jhindha adding that the BJP is attempting to seize control of our gurdwaras under the guise of legal reforms — we will not allow this.
Key provisions threatening Sikh institutional autonomy
Currently, Section 17(2)(c) of the said Act allows HSGMC to remove any member by a two-thirds majority. The BJP’s proposed amendment would strip this power from the committee and hand it to the government-controlled Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission.
Amendments to Sections 44 and 45 would allow the Commission to decide disputes over voter eligibility, disqualification, service matters and appointments. The amended Section 46 would empower the Commission to resolve property and fund disputes, freeze bank accounts and dismiss members for “indiscipline.”
New provisions (Sections 46-A to 46-N) would grant court-level powers to the Commission, no challenges to verdicts in lower civil courts and provide legal immunity to Commission members for actions taken “in good faith.”
A wider BJP strategy to control Sikh religious bodies
Analysts say Haryana is part of a larger BJP pattern of interference in gurdwara management across India. In Maharashtra, the BJP-led government amended the Sri Abchal Nagar Hazoor Sahib Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Act to appoint more members directly to the Takhat Hazur Sahib Committee, diluting the role of elected Sikhs. Similar tactics have been seen in Delhi, Bihar and through political alignment with certain Sikh religious groups.
“From Haryana to Hazur Sahib, the strategy is the same — weaken elected Sikh institutions and replace them with government-controlled bodies,” noted Sikh political analysts.
Panthic response and political implications
HSGMC General Secretary Harjit Singh, Joint Secretary Balwinder Singh Kangthali and Executive Member Kuldeep Singh Multani have all opposed the amendments, warning that this is a “dangerous precedent” for Sikh institutions.
Questions have been raised over the Haryana State Law Commission’s April 8 report which mirrors proposals submitted by the Gurdwara Judicial Commission to the state home department during March this. The report recommends giving the state government full powers to appoint and remove Commission members without HSGMC consultation.
The upcoming Panthic conference in August is expected to be a major show of unity. The HSGMC has warned that if the amendment bill is tabled in the Assembly, a statewide and Panth-wide agitation will follow.
