Sikh clergy may summon Sayali

Amritsar, Punjab: The Sikh high priests may deliberate on the issue of Jatinder Singh Sayali challenging the authority of Akal Takht in the Delhi High Court with reference to the controversy surrounding the proposed 1984 Sikh genocide memorial in New Delhi. The Sikh clergy will meet here tomorrow.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said they had sought all the documents pertaining to the case were being studied. The issue would be discussed in the meeting tomorrow, the Akal Takht jathedar said.

Sources said the Sikh high priests might summon Sayali for his move, besides summoning the “forces” behind it. Akal Takht had earlier summoned former DSGMC chief Paramjeet Singh Sarna for opposing the construction of the memorial and awarded him “tankhah” while directing him to withdraw his petition against it. Subsequently, he withdrew the petition. However, a fresh petition has been filed by Sayali in the Delhi High Court in this regard.

To curb the rising instances of sacrilege, Gurbachan Singh today said no individual could be allowed to use the title ‘Patshahi’ except when referring to the Sikh Gurus. These directions were issued in view of the complaints that several self-styled godmen were using the title ‘Patshahi’ with their name.

The Akal Takht jathedar said the title could only be used for the Sikh gurus. He said the Akal Takht has also taken a serious notice of Lakha Singh, a self-styled godman from Rajasthan, who has been reportedly equating himself with the Sikh Gurus. The Akal Takht jathedar said the Sikh clergy will deliberate on action against him during its meeting tomorrow.

Source: The Tribune