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Shromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and the Right to Information Act

By Balbir Singh Sooch

There is a special importance of Sikh religion in the modern World comparatively even more than any welfare State of the day. The main stress is on well-being of humanity and all i.e. 'Sarbat Da Bhla' and Sikhism is known as the true face and voice of humanity. It is nothing to hide but a revolutionary and very progressive religion in order to bring and accept reforms in the direction and Sikh Gurus did every thing to undo irrationality and oppression.

In the light of above, Sikhism has no contradiction with the present day democracy and any welfare State on the lines and the ideology enshrined in 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib' exceptionally recognizing the separate identity of Sikhs through the norms and values set.

Moreover, the SGPC is a distinct institution in the World and known for its transparency functioning under the Gurdwara Act 1925 where religious affairs being conducted including accounts are open for legal scrutiny and the 'Right to Information Act' is very democratic Act to further alert and assisting for reforms in human norms and values on the lines of Sikhism.

I, myself being a law student professionally can boldly say that RTI Act is no way to hurt the religious sentiments of true Sikhs in any manner so far I understand my religion.

In case the arguments of the President of SGPC as reported are accepted then the every answering and responsible Official/person can take defense for not providing information that his self dignity and respect being challenged and he is not answerable under the Act. It shall be amount to encouraging the illegality and irreligious deeds by rejecting the Act to hide misdeeds of individuals in religious and democratic institutions in the country.

To my mind, these irrational and contradictory arguments to the concept i.e. 'Sarbat Da Bhla' are for creating one more controversy to further divide Sikhs otherwise there is nothing legally or religiously to oppose the Act.

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