news details |
|
|
| Court upholds DGPC's power to appoint Gurudwara Committee, quashes interim stay | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 11: In a major relief to the District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), Jammu, the Court of Additional Sessions Judge (ADJ) Jammu, Ritesh Kumar Dubey, has set aside the interim injunction that had restrained the DGPC President and Secretary from assuming charge of Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi Sahib, Talab Tillo. The court ruled that the orders issued on May 3 and May 5, 2025, for appointment of a new local management committee, were valid and in conformity with law.
The court observed that the DGPC President's decision was backed by a majority resolution and found no procedural irregularity in the process. It held that "two office bearers cannot represent the entire DGPC without proper authorization or majority support," adding that the plaintiffs-Vice President and Secretary-had filed the suit without any formal approval or resolution from the DGPC members.
The dispute traces back to 2022 when Harmeet Singh, who was nominated as President of Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi for a two-year term, continued in office even after his tenure ended. His extension was challenged by Karan Singh Bali, an elected DGPC member from Jammu West constituency, who in 2024 recommended Sardarni Harpreet Kour as President and Manmohan Singh as Secretary for the Gurudwara. This led to a factional divide within DGPC Jammu and multiple legal battles over the validity of appointments and the scope of the committee's authority under the Sikh Gurudwaras and Religious Endowments Act, 1973.
Judge Ritesh Dubey noted that Harmeet Singh's continuation was already barred by an earlier stay order, and held that the plaintiffs had approached the court with unclean hands. He further observed that the DGPC's decisions were taken in due consultation with a majority of members and that the trial court had erred in staying the operation of a valid resolution.
Setting aside the lower court's order dated June 30, 2025, the appellate court restored the DGPC's authority, emphasizing that "decisions taken by a majority of members must prevail" and that any interference would "defeat the purpose of the Sikh Gurudwaras and Religious Endowments Act, 1973, read with Rules of 1975."
The appeal was accordingly allowed, and the interim injunction vacated, reaffirming DGPC Jammu's right to manage the affairs of Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi Sahib, Talab Tillo, in accordance with law.
(JNF) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
