M A I N   N E W S

‘Hukamnama’ row takes new turn
Adamant Fouji to visit Takhts
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

NANDED (Maharashtra), July 1 — Even as Bhai Kulwant Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, Abchal Nagar, Nanded, has claimed that he could not be removed as jathedar till his death as per the “maryada” of the takht, Mr Sher Singh Fouji, president of the Hazur Sahib Board, has reiterated that “panj pyaras” were employees of the board and action could be initiated against them if they were found guilty of religious misconduct.

Mr Sher Singh Fouji was declared “tankhahiya” by Bhai Kulwant Singh, Jathedar, Bhai Rattan Singh, Deputy Jathedar and three other high priests, including Bhai Jotidar Singh, Bhai Kashmir Singh and Bhai Amar Singh on June 1 for using, “derogatory” words against “Panj Pyaras”.

Talking to the TNS, Mr Fouji said he had completed his three-day “tankhah” as a humble Sikh. However, he still felt that “panj pyaras” were employees of the Sachkhand Board. He said the Maharashtra High Court had already passed a judgement in which it was mentioned that they (Panj pyaras) were employees of the board. Mr Fouji said the “panj pyaras” were appointed by the board and also go monthly salary. Hence, the appointing authority had every right to initiate action against the “employees”.

Bhai Kulwant Singh was installed as Jathedar in the last week of January this year.

Giving details, Mr Fouji said Bhai Joginder Singh Moni, the then Jathedar of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, was placed under suspension by the Sachkhand Board on July 28, 1983. However, He (Bhai Moni) had challenged the decision of the board in court. His petition was dismissed by the Aurangabad High Court. Mr Fouji claimed that the high court had rejected the petition on the basis that the board had every right to initiate action against the Sikh clergy.

Mr Fouji said his supporters, including members and former members of the board would meet the Jathedars of Akal Takht, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib to challenge the “politically motivated “hukamnama” of the Sikh clergy against him. He further said two other priests had been removed earlier by the board. He said they would visit all takhts this month. Mr Fouji said Mr Jaspal Singh Langri, a former member, Mr Bakshish Singh, Mr Sardul Singh — both members and Mr Ranjit Singh would accompany the ‘sangat’ during the visit to the takhts.

Bhai Kulwant Singh, while talking to TNS, claimed that the jathedar of Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib could not be removed till his death. He claimed that there was “maryada” (Sikh tradition) that the Jathedar of the takht was installed in the presence of “sarbat Khalsa”. He, however, said few jathedars had to quit on their own on health grounds. He justified the decision of the Sikh clergy to declare Mr Fouji, “tankhahyia” as he had used derogatory words against “Panj pyaras”.

Replying to another question, Bhai Kulwant Singh said all the takhts had the right to issue “hukamnamas”. He said Giani Zail Singh, the then President was declared “tankhahyia” after Operation Blue Star from Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib.

On the other hand, the Sikh clergy has not issued another “hukamnama” to atone Mr Fouji even as he had already completed his “tankhah”. However, Mr Fouji has been working as president Sachkhand, Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib Board. He had honoured Baba Sukhdev Singh of Nanaksar Kaleran, Bhai Sukhdev Singh of Damdami Taksal, Baba Hari Singh of Zira.