Akal Takht Jathedar feigns ignorance on SGPC's participation in Kumbh
By IP Singh
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/18044210.cms
JALANDHAR: Even as a controversy is already raging on the issue of SGPC's decision to participate in the Kumbh Mela, Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbcahan Singh said on Tuesday that he was not aware of the issue. He said that he would consider the issue only if he would receive any complaint.
Speaking to TOI on phone, Gurbachan Singh denied that he had received any complaint/representation in this regard even as All India Sikh Students Federation had sent a letter to him against SGPC on Sunday.
"I am not aware that SGPC has decided to participate in the issue and question should be put to SGPC President," he said when asked about his take on the issue even as SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has already announced that SGPC would participate in the Kumbh Mela and would hold an exhibition of literature, pictures on Sikh history and would also organize Langar.
Interestingly Jathedar feigned ignorance on the issue when Makkar's contentions have already been reported in the media and those who are opposing it have also been quoted in the media.
Claiming that he had not received any complaint as yet, Jathedar said that he would consider the issue only if there would be a specific complaint.
SGPC President has been facing opposition from within SGPC also who term it dilution of separate identity of Sikhs and also bending to RSS' wishes.
AISSF President Karnail Singh Peermohammad said that they had sent the complaint to Jathedar through fax as well as through email. "More over the issue has been widely reported in the media and SGPC president has himself announced and defended the decision. Even if he has not received the complaint Jathedar can take suo moto action as he had been doing it in case of matter pertained to opponents of ruling Shiromani Akal Dal," he argued.
Meanwhile AISSF also sent a complaint to Gurudwar Judicial Commission asking to refrain SGPC from acting on its decision as it was beyong the mandate conferred on it by Sikh Gurudwara Act.
"SGPC's decision to officially participate in the Kumbh Mela is clearly beyond the mandate of SGPC and in violation of Section 142 of the The Sikh Gurudwara Act of 1925," the plaint to Commission said. "As The decision of Avtar Singh Makkar to officially participate in Kumbh Mela is clearly misuse of the SGPC funds and resources. This is in clear violation of SGPC's mandate and is not permissible under the Gurudwara Act. An injunction be issued ordering SGPC to withdraw its participation from Kumbh Mela," the plaint said while also seeking action against Makkar for abuse of power.
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By IP Singh
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/18044210.cms
JALANDHAR: Even as a controversy is already raging on the issue of SGPC's decision to participate in the Kumbh Mela, Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbcahan Singh said on Tuesday that he was not aware of the issue. He said that he would consider the issue only if he would receive any complaint.
Speaking to TOI on phone, Gurbachan Singh denied that he had received any complaint/representation in this regard even as All India Sikh Students Federation had sent a letter to him against SGPC on Sunday.
"I am not aware that SGPC has decided to participate in the issue and question should be put to SGPC President," he said when asked about his take on the issue even as SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has already announced that SGPC would participate in the Kumbh Mela and would hold an exhibition of literature, pictures on Sikh history and would also organize Langar.
Interestingly Jathedar feigned ignorance on the issue when Makkar's contentions have already been reported in the media and those who are opposing it have also been quoted in the media.
Claiming that he had not received any complaint as yet, Jathedar said that he would consider the issue only if there would be a specific complaint.
SGPC President has been facing opposition from within SGPC also who term it dilution of separate identity of Sikhs and also bending to RSS' wishes.
AISSF President Karnail Singh Peermohammad said that they had sent the complaint to Jathedar through fax as well as through email. "More over the issue has been widely reported in the media and SGPC president has himself announced and defended the decision. Even if he has not received the complaint Jathedar can take suo moto action as he had been doing it in case of matter pertained to opponents of ruling Shiromani Akal Dal," he argued.
Meanwhile AISSF also sent a complaint to Gurudwar Judicial Commission asking to refrain SGPC from acting on its decision as it was beyong the mandate conferred on it by Sikh Gurudwara Act.
"SGPC's decision to officially participate in the Kumbh Mela is clearly beyond the mandate of SGPC and in violation of Section 142 of the The Sikh Gurudwara Act of 1925," the plaint to Commission said. "As The decision of Avtar Singh Makkar to officially participate in Kumbh Mela is clearly misuse of the SGPC funds and resources. This is in clear violation of SGPC's mandate and is not permissible under the Gurudwara Act. An injunction be issued ordering SGPC to withdraw its participation from Kumbh Mela," the plaint said while also seeking action against Makkar for abuse of power.
More...