Chandigarh, August 1 - The State Cabinet, chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini, approved the proposal to amend the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara (Management) Act, 2014 to further strengthen the legal framework related to the management of Sikh Gurudwaras. The aim of these amendments is to enhance transparency, ensure judicial oversight and provide a clear framework for the declaration and administration of Gurudwara properties.
Among the major changes, Section 17(2)(c) of the Act has been deleted, which earlier empowered the Gurudwara Committee to remove its own members. Now this power will be vested in the Judicial Commission constituted under Section 46.
Further, by replacing Sections 44 and 45, it has been provided that disputes relating to voter eligibility, disqualification, service matters relating to Gurdwara employees and appointment of committee members will now be exclusively resolved by the newly constituted Judicial Commission. An appeal can be filed within 90 days against the orders of the Commission in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in which the provisions of the Limitation Act will apply.
Further strengthening its role, Section 46 has been amended to empower the Commission to settle disputes relating to Gurdwara property, funds and internal disputes. The Commission will have the power to remove or suspend members of the Committee on the grounds of misconduct and can take suo motu action in cases of misappropriation or possible loss of Gurdwara property or funds.
Through these amendments, the Haryana Government aims to establish a transparent, efficient and legally robust system for the management of Sikh Gurudwaras in the state.