Amritsar Sahib (KP) – In a move with far-reaching consequences, the Takht Jathedars banned rallies and protests in or near any 'parkash asthan' of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.  The Jathedars stated that this action was taken in order to preserve the sanctity of the sacred premises and avoid any unfortunate situations as have occurred in the past.   Other decisions by the Jathedars included,  summoning of a controversial writer and several individuals involved in the Anand-Karj Maryada violation at Lakhi Sah Vanjara Hall in Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib.

Udhoke Summoned

Sukhpreet Udhoke was summoned due to the complaints against him accusing him of religious misconduct.
Several complaints have been files against Udhoke at Sri Akal Takht Sahib by various organizations such as the United Sikh Federation (Canada), and the GURSIKH, Shahbaaz Khalsa over the past years. He had previously worked with these organizations, but was dismissed due to the ongoing complaints about his character. He is currently close to Harnam Singh 'Dhumma' of DamDami Taksal (Mehta faction) and assisting in the publication of their monthly magazine.

The filed complaints contain evidence of serious religious misconduct by Udhoke on his previous visit to Canada, including recordings of Udhoke in which he has denigrated Sri Akal Takht Sahib by referring to it in a vulgar and offensive manner.

The summons from Sri Akal Takht Sahib has put Sukhpreet Udhoke on the offensive and also exposed his missionary leanings, which many have suggested in the past.  Early press reports quote Udhoke stating that he would not appear in front of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, parroting the language used by other anti-Sikh writers such as Joginder Sinh of the Spokesman (who was also summoned to Sri Akal Takht Sahib several years ago but has never appeared).  As expected, Spokesman and the missionary lobby have come out in full force in defense of Udhoke, and have requested Udhoke to publicly snub the Takht summons.

May 2000 Ban Lifted

On a similar note, Sri Akal Takht Sahib lifted the ban issued on May 14th of 2000 that prohibited public controversy and discussion on the contents of Dasam Granth.  Sikh scholars were asked to openly challenge the anti-Panthic forces who were creating doubts in the Sikh sangat's minds on the validity of Dasam Patshah Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji's Bani.

The anti-Panthic pro-missionary lobby that includes the Spokesman editor, Joginder Sinh, Inder Ghagga, Gurbaksh Kala-Afghana, has openly spewed nonsense on Dasam Patshah's Bani, that includes Jaap Sahib, Chaupai Sahib, Twaparsaad Sawaiay, Zafarnama, and other Banis.

Protests Banned

The Takht Jathedars have banned the protests in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and around Gurdwara Sahibs, including the burining of effigies of any kind in those premises.

This decision was taken by the Takht Jathedars, who met Sri Akal Takht Sahib to stop 'those political figures that use their religion to inflame the population, by protesting in or near Sikh Gurdwaras.'

Jathedar Vedanti said the ban was prompted by the 'desire not to mar the spiritual aura of our places of worship with political activities: from now on, only religious rallies will be allowed near our Gurdwaras. This decision applies not only to India but to Sikh temples around the world.'

Observers question on how such a ban will be implemented when political organizations such as the Akali Dal routinely assemble in Gurdwaras and halls with Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji  during political rallies.  Ironically, many such functions are attended by the Takht Jathedars themselves.