Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee(SGPC) has reiterated that Sehajdhari Sikhs, who shave, cut or trim their hair, cannot be recognized as Sikhs for the purpose of grant of electoral rights in SGPC elections and only Keshadhari Sikhs should have the right to vote. The submission to this effect was made before the Punjab and Haryana high court by Mukhtar Singh on behalf of SGPC in an ongoing case challenging the notification dated October 8, 2003 issued by the union government. By way of issuing this notification, union ministry of home affairs had amended sections 49 and 92 of the Sikh Gurudwara Act, 1925, also barring Sehajdhari Sikhs from casting their votes in SGPC elections. Mukhtar Singh informed that in keeping with the tenets of Sikh religion and the importance of keeping 'Khalsa' purity, which includes keeping of unshorn hair, these modifications were suggested by the SGPC in its meeting held on March 30, 2001.
with thanks : Hindustan Times : link above for detailed news.
SikhsIndia
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