UK gurdwara sued over ‘bias’ against physically challenged, elderly

London, April 4

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One of Britain’s largest gurdwaras has been sued by worshippers for alleged discrimination against the elderly and physically challenged.

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara at Blakenhall in the city of Wolverhampton has been accused of leaving people in wheelchairs outside the main prayer room and making them sit behind screens in the dining room because they are unable to observe the custom of sitting on the floor.

 Papers have been filed with the County Court in Birmingham and letters have been sent by British Sikh parliamentarian Paul Uppal and Pat McFadden, both seeking re-election as MPs in Wolverhampton, reminding the gurdwara of its obligations under disability discrimination laws.

 Around 10,000 people regularly use the gurdwara on Sedgley Street, according to the local ‘Express and Star’ newspaper. Campaigners say people in wheelchairs cannot get up to the prayer room, the Dahar Sahib, because a lift is not always available. Those with mobility problems say they have to sit on benches outside the main room.

 The gurdwara committee says no one is being excluded and that plans are in place for a new building that will improve access to the prayer room. Rajinder Bassi, chairman of the Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, said around 5,000 pounds have been raised through donations to fund the legal challenge.

 He said, “What is happening to physically challenged and older people is degrading. They are missing out on the spiritual aspect and want to be able to join others upstairs. There’s nothing in our faith that says the temple should do this.” 

A spokesperson for the gurdwara, in a statement, said, “The services are provided in line with Sikh traditions where all are welcome to visit and pray at the gurdwara. We make, as far as possible, practical and reasonable adjustments that are also consistent with our practices to accommodate physically challenged people taking account of our faith’s traditions. “The gurdwara is governed by directions from Akal Takht — the Sikh supreme authority. This is written within the gurdwara constitution registered with the Charities Commission since its establishment in 1969.” 

He said, “In line with the Sikh principles of worship and serving the community through its open-door policy for all, the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has over the years provided a series of ‘reasonable adjustments’ which cater to those who are unable to be seated in the two main areas of the gurdwara”. — PTI