The gurdwara Bill

EVEN a cursory perusal of the provisions of the Sikh Gurdwaras and Shrines Bill, which is to be introduced at the forthcoming session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, satisfies all the legitimate demands of the movement for gurdwara reform. What the Sikhs wanted was that they should be given complete control over the management of their gurdwaras and shrines, and that the existing law should be so modified as to avoid undue delay in the settlement of disputes regarding the management of their places of worship, especially as between the mahants and other members of the community. The Bill satisfies both these essential demands of the Sikh community; and not only ensures the independence of the gurdwaras and shrines from interference in all matters relating to their management and control, but also provides for a legal machinery for speedy settlement of all disputes relating to them. That the Bill meets these fundamental requirements of the gurdwara reform movement is fully recognised by an overwhelmed majority of the community; and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), after a prolonged discussion, passed a resolution on Tuesday night approving the provisions of the Bill with certain minor amendments. This, however, does not mean that there is no opposition to the Bill among the advanced section of the Sikhs. As is apparent from the proceedings of the SGPC itself, there is a small body of Sikhs who are strongly opposed to the principles and provisions of the Bill.