3/10/2003 5:33:35 PM

Opinion is divided whether the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission (SGPC) could adjudicate on matters relating to Jathedars or not. The commission is to hear the application, challenging the removal of Prof Manjit Singh as Jathedar, Keshgarh Sahib tomorrow. Sikh intellectuals including lawyers are of the view that the SGPC has no jurisdiction in the case of jathedars as they are not governed by the service rules of the SGPC, another section says the SGPC has already set precedent by serving charge sheet on the then Jathedar Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh later removed by the SGPC. Senior advocate L.S. Sehmi claimed that the jathedars were above the services rules as they did not receive salary from the SGPC. However, Panthic leaders have been keeping a close watch on the proposed decision to be taken by the SGJC tomorrow. Capt Channan Singh of the Sikh Forum Punjab had moved the commission challenging the removal of Prof Manjit Singh as Jathedar, Kesgarh Sahib. The counsel of the SGPC alleged that Prof Manjit Singh wanted relief in the shape of stay, by proxy which had no precedent. After admitting the petition, the two-member bench of the SGPC, headed by Mr Kashmir Singh Patti and Mr Raghbir Singh have kept the case for passing an order tomorrow. If the commission maintains status quo or passes a stay order then the SGPC won’t be able to appoint a permanent Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in place of Prof Manjit Singh. If the commission rejects the petition then the petitioner may move the Punjab and Haryana High Court.