AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Member Parliament of Patiala, Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi yesterday made a statement that the Akali Dal MPs were not extending their vote for the Anand Karat Act (Sikh Marriage Bill). He was here to hold meetings with Badal appointed Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh. He called upon the ex-Jathedar to provide support in getting the Anand Karaj Act passed in the Indian Parliament.
MP Harinder Singh Khalsa and Bhai Baldeep Singh were also accompanying him on this occasion.
Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi informed Giani Gurbachan Singh that the Akali MPs were not extending their votes for the Sikh Marriage Bill under political pressure. ex-Jathedar has apparently promised to take up the issue with the SGPC, which will in turn take up the matter with the Punjab Government.
Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi had earlier submitted a motion in the Indian Parliament in favor of the Anand Karaj Act. He was asked by the state why he had proposed the legislation and to describe its benefits. He had stipulated in his statement that Sikhi is the fifth largest religion of the world and it also has its own separate traditions and rituals. “Sikhs are not being given enough ground to practice their religious beliefs like other majority communities,” he added.
It is worth mentioning here that Article 25, clause 6, explanation II, of Indian constitution portrays the Sikhs as a part of Hindu community. Other communities like Buddhists and Jains are also depicted as part of Hindu religion in this clause.
