Maharashtra defers proposed Hazur Sahib law after opposition; 1956 Act to continue for now

PTC Web Desk: The Maharashtra Government has put on hold its proposed legislation to replace the nearly 70-year-old law governing the management of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, following widespread opposition from Sikh religious bodies, political leaders and community organisations across India and abroad.

Announcing the decision at a press conference, Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the existing Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956 will continue to govern the shrine's administration for the time being.

He further stated that the state government would undertake wider consultations with Sikh religious institutions, scholars, and other stakeholders before deciding on any future legislative changes.

What was the controversy?

The controversy began after the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a proposal to repeal the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956 and replace it with a new law aimed at creating a revised administrative framework for the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board.

Critics alleged that the proposed legislation would increase government involvement in the management of one of Sikhism's five Takhts by allowing greater government influence in the composition of the board. Many Sikh organisations argued that the move would dilute the shrine's autonomous character and undermine the independence of Sikh religious institutions.

The proposal sparked strong reactions from religious leaders, political parties and members of the Sikh community, who maintained that any changes to the management of a Takht should only be made after broad consultations with Sikh institutions and the Sikh Panth.

SGPC raised concerns over religious autonomy

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly objected to the proposed legislation, saying that Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is one of the five supreme temporal seats of Sikhism and that decisions concerning its administration should not be taken unilaterally.

Advocate Dhami said any amendment affecting the Takht's management, traditions or religious autonomy should only be made after consulting the Jathedars of the Takhts, Sikh institutions, the SGPC and the wider Sikh community.

He also alleged that governments have repeatedly attempted to weaken Sikh institutions through administrative interference and warned that the proposed law could lead to increased government control over Sikh religious affairs.

Sukhbir Singh Badal had also taken up the issue with govt

The proposed legislation also drew criticism from political leaders cutting across party lines. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said no government has the authority to interfere in the functioning of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, which was established by Guru Gobind Singh. He urged the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to withdraw the proposal and respect the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal also appealed to the Maharashtra government to preserve the autonomous character of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa described the proposal as a direct challenge to the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and ensure the draft law was withdrawn.

- With inputs from agencies