Sacha Sauda to seek SC protection for Deras tomorrow

New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) The Dera Sacha Sauda is likely to mention its petition before the Supreme Court vacation bench tomorrow, in view of the deadline set by the Akal Takht seeking the closure of all Deras, and seek directions to the Centre and the Punjab and Haryana governments to protect the sect and its followers from any impending threat.

The vacation bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and Justice D K Jain on Friday set June 4 for the hearing of the petitions filed by Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda and a woman advocate seeking protection for the Deras.

The bench, however, showed reluctance in entertaining the petitions and observed that, '' such issues should be tackled politically at government level''.

The Akal Takht has set today as the deadline for vacating all Deras in Punjab. Religious leaders yesterday asked for more time from the Akal Takht on the Sikh community's demand for an apology from Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh.

The controversy started when an advertisement appeared in a section of the media showing the Dera chief attired like Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. This offended religious sentiments of the Sikh community and they demanded a public apology from the Dera chief.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

There are over 130 Deras spread all over the country and the Sacha Sauda sect has about 1. 5 crore followers.

The petitioners will tomorrow request the apex court to bring forward the hearing and issue directions to the authorities, especially in Punjab and Haryana, to seek protection of the Dera Sacha Sauda and its followers from attacks from followers of Sikh associations members.

There are indications that the Dera chief, who has expressed regrets over the issue, may soon render a public apology to defuse the tensions.

The PIL, which seems to be a please-all petition, seeks protection for Sikhs and followers of the Dera and has also sought compensation for one Knawaljit Singh, who was killed in police firing in Punjab last week.

The apex court may pass interim orders for the protection of the Deras and issue notices to the Centre, states of Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir as and when it deems appropriate.

UNI