Sikh Gurdwaras(amendment) bill 2016 passed in parliament

The Parliament has given approval for the Sikh Grudwaras (Amendment) Bill 2016. The bill has seen many facets regarding the voting rights of Sahjdhari during the elections to the members of Board and the Committees.

The amendment bill was first passed in Rajya Sabha in March 2016 and later in Lok Sabha in April 2016.

Sikh Gurdwaras Act,1925: Under the 1925 Act,every Sikh who is above 21 years of age and is registered as a voter is entitled to vote in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)elections, But this act had created an exception for Sahjdhari Sikhs who trim or shave their beard or hair, and did not allow them to vote in SGPC elections.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated October 2003 carried out the proposed amendment.Section 72 of the Punjab Re-organisation Act 1966,was exercised by the Parliament in order to issue the notification.

The amendment bill removes exception given to Sahjdhari Sikhs in 1944 to vote in the elections to members of the Board and the Committees constituted under the parent Act. This amendment will come into force retrospectively from October 8, 2003.

By – Spandana Nagesh