328 sacred saroops case: FIR is a ‘direct interference’ in Sikh institutions’ jurisdiction, says Advocate Dhami
PTC Web Desk: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has issued a strong statement over the case related to 328 saroops, warning that any form of government interference will not be tolerated.
Advocate Dhami said repeated attempts are being made to weaken and destabilise the SGPC, alleging that the organisation is being targeted indirectly for political reasons. He asserted that the SGPC, as an autonomous religious body, will not allow outside interference in its functioning.
The SGPC chief pointed out that the Punjab Government itself has admitted in court that it cannot interfere in the working of the SGPC. Despite this, he claimed that pressure tactics are being used to target the committee.
Referring to cooperation with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Advocate Dhami said IPC provisions do not apply to the SGPC, adding that the committee does not function under the 1925 Act. He alleged that the Punjab Government is targeting the SGPC to serve political interests.
‘Take action against me, not SGPC’
Advocate Dhami made it clear that as SGPC president, he would not allow any interference in the institution’s affairs. He said that if any action is to be taken, it should be directed against him personally, not against the SGPC as a whole.
He further stated that the issue is not about the 16 accused individuals, but about protecting the SGPC as an institution. “We have no concern with those individuals. Our only concern is safeguarding the autonomy of the SGPC,” he said.
'Only Akal Takht Sahib has authority'
Citing the Ishar Singh Commission report, Advocate Dhami said only Sri Akal Takht Sahib has the authority to take action in such matters. He stressed that no political party has the right to intervene.
Folding his hands, Advocate Dhami appealed to the Sikh community to ensure that there is no government interference, warning that such actions could cause serious harm to Sikh institutions.
- PTC NEWS
