Don't Interfere In Religious Matters: SGPC Opposes Bhagwant Mann's Free Gurbani Telecast Move

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday lashed out at the AAP government in Punjab over its decision to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 to ensure free telecast rights of Gurbani from the Golden Temple.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who contends that Gurbani is everyone's right is set to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 in the Assembly during the special session scheduled for June 20.

"Punjab Government can't interfere in any manner. They don't have the right...They are trying to politicise this and I strongly condemn this. I urge Bhagwant Mann to not do anything like this," Harjinder Singh told reporters.

"As per the demand of society, we are going add a new clause to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, broadcast and telecast of 'Gurbani' from Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) will be free for all. No tender is required...The motion will be introduced in the State Assembly on 20th June," Mann tweeted in Hindi.

Reacting to the development, Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira argued that the state cannot make any changes to the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, as it is "Central".

"As far as my knowledge goes Punjab government cannot tinker or amend or add to the existing Sikh Gurudwara Act 1925 as it's a central act! I wonder how Bhagwant Mann is speaking to add a clause in the said Act! Yes, the Vidhan Sabha can pass a resolution and send it to Center for addition of their demand. The purpose of my tweet is the question whether the state govt is entitled to do so and the legality of the announcement made by the CM," Khaira tweeted.

The Bharatiya Janata Party also opposed the announcement, saying that the All India Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 can be amended only by the Parliament of India.

"I have always believed that no one should have a monopoly on the transmission of Gurbani from Sri Darbar Sahib and the transmission of Gurbani should reach every household. But the way Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wants to challenge the sovereignty of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, he cannot do so. It will not be considered valid or proper in any way. The All India Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 can be amended only by the Parliament of India. @SGPCAmritsar," BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh tweeted.

What is Gurbani?

Gurbani is a sacred hymn, that is presently telecast by a private TV channel. According to the SGPC its telecast is not ordinary, and that its sanctity and dignity cannot be ignored.