Punjab CM for indept study of draft of Gurdwara Bill,1999

Chandigarh, Aug 28 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today stressed the need for an in-depth study of the draft of the Sikh Gurdwara Bill, 1999.

This Bill was prepared by the Gurdwara Election Commission based on the Sikh Gurdwaras Bill, 1986.

The Chief Minister suggested that the 1999 Bill should be thoroughly debated, discussed and reviewed by the all sections of the Sikh society before it is given a final decision.

Presiding over a meeting of eminent Sikh scholars, members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Patbandik Committee (SGPC) and legal luminaries to discuss the modalities of the draft of the new Bill, Mr Badal said that the opinion of a cross section of intellectuals, theologians and eminent religious persons should be kept in view before reaching a decision on this.

He said that for this purpose a thorough and detailed discussion on the draft Bill by the legitimate religious representatives of the Sikh community is a pre-requisite.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Advisor to Chief Minister Dr D S Cheema, Advocate General H S Matewal, Chief Secretary R I Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister D S Guru, President SCPC Avtar Singh Makkar, Chief Commissioner Gurdwara Elections Gurdev Singh, Additional Legal Rememberancer Harbans Singh, SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, SGPC Secretary Dharam Parchar Waryam Singh besides eminent Sikh scholars Dr Jaspal Singh, Dr Jasbir Singh Sabar, Kharak Singh, Balwant Singh Dhillon, Dr Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, Dr Jodh Singh and Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia.

UNI