The Maharashtra government has agreed to place a controversial new law regarding the administration of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in abeyance and will form a committee for wider consultations with Sikh stakeholders. The decision follows concerns raised by Sikh leaders over potential violation of religious autonomy.
Government Concession After Meeting with BJP Leaders
The announcement came on Friday after a meeting in New Delhi between Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Bawankule and BJP leader RP Singh, along with Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon. Bawankule, deputed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the issue, said the state would constitute a committee to consult Sikh stakeholders before replacing the existing Sri Hazur Sahib Act.
RP Singh stated, “I conveyed my concerns to CM Fadnavis and he promptly deputed Chandrashekhar Bawankule to meet us. We had a fruitful discussion, with Kewal Dhillon also joining. We requested that wider consultations be held before the Bill is introduced in the Assembly.” Bawankule accepted the suggestion.
Sikh Leaders Welcome Consultation Move
Kewal Singh Dhillon welcomed the development, saying, “We conveyed to the state government that consultations must be undertaken with the Sikh Panth before any legislative framework concerning the administration of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is finalised. We are thankful to the Maharashtra CM for responding with sensitivity to the concerns of the Sikh community.” He emphasized that Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is not merely an institution but a living symbol of Sikh faith, sovereignty, and heritage, revered by Sikhs globally.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute arose from the Maharashtra government’s plan to repeal The Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Abchalnagar Sahib Act-1956 and replace it with a new law called the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Act. Earlier this week, caretakers of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib issued a ‘gurmata’ (collective religious edict) rejecting the repeal proposal, asserting their religious autonomy.
Akali Dal leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal appealed to Fadnavis to retain the autonomous character of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board and withdraw the draft law, which critics say would fill the board with government nominees.
Next Steps
The state government will now form a committee comprising Sikh scholars and stakeholders to discuss the legislation before it is introduced in the assembly. The abeyance of the draft law marks a significant concession to Sikh religious sentiments.
