JK High Court Affirms Sikhs Not Bound by ‘Singh’ or ‘Kour’ Surnames in Landmark Ruling

JK High Court Affirms Sikhs Not Bound by 'Singh' or 'Kour' Surnames in Landmark Ruling

Asif Iqbal | January 16, 2024 | 09:25 PM IST | Courts & Law, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

JK High Court Affirms Sikhs Not Bound by ‘Singh’ or ‘Kour’ Surnames in Landmark Ruling.image/KL

JK High Court Affirms Sikhs Not Bound by ‘Singh’ or ‘Kour’ Surnames in Landmark Ruling

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has clarified that individuals recognized as Sikhs are not required to have surnames such as “Singh” or “Kour.” This clarification was made in response to a petition challenging the District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee elections in Akhnoor. The petitioner raised concerns about non-Sikh voters being included in the electoral rolls due to the absence of “Singh” or “Kour” in their surnames.

Unsatisfied with the decision of the statutory appellate authority, the petitioner sought relief from the High Court. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, referring to the J&K Sikh Gurudwara & Religious Endowment Act of 1973, stated that the petitioner’s contention contradicted the defined terms in the Act and could not be accepted under the law.

Justice Nargal highlighted that many individuals, despite not having “Sikh or Kour” as their surnames, are recognized as Sikhs because they practice Sikhism. The petitioner, who contested the DGPC election in Akhnoor, argued that the inclusion of non-Sikhs on the electoral roll violated the Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Gurudwara and Religious Endowment Rules of 1975, which define a Sikh based on belief in the ten Gurus, Guru Granth Sahib, and the practice of keeping Keshas (long hair).

Upon examining the rules and arguments, the bench upheld the decision of the appellate authority, stating that the petitioner’s claims contradicted the Act’s definitions in Sections 2(e) and 2(f) of 1973. The court rejected the argument that “Singh and Kour” surnames were mandatory for Sikh recognition, deeming such a contention inconsistent with legal definitions.

Justice Nargal emphasized that the petitioner did not raise objections regarding the electoral roll during the designated period for claims and objections. The court noted that raising such issues after participating in the entire election process was not permissible.

In conclusion, the court upheld the order of the appellate authority, dismissing the appeal as lacking merit and substance.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.