In an intensifying political standoff, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has declined to ratify four bills passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly, asserting they violate constitutional provisions. This development further escalates the ongoing tension between Governor Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Purohit has specifically responded to Mann’s plea to expedite the ratification of the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 amendment bill. He deems the legislative session convened on June 19-20 as ‘Unconstitutional’ and the bills passed during those two days as in breach of legal parameters.
The Governor’s riposte highlighted that the said assembly was convened unlawfully, and all four bills sanctioned therein are in direct contravention of established law. He has promised to seek advice from the Attorney General of India before proceeding with any potential approvals.
Governor Purohit’s stance comes in response to Chief Minister Mann’s letter demanding the endorsement of the Amendment Act to the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925. Mann’s letter underscored the urgency of the Governor’s approval of the Sikh Gurdwara Amendment Bill 2023, passed earlier by the Legislative Assembly.
Mann’s missive presented five compelling points. The Chief Minister pinpointed the monopoly of a family-owned special channel over broadcasting from Sri Harmandir Sahib and its subsequent profit-making. He noted that an amendment to Section 125-A of the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 could rectify this, enabling the free transmission of the universal Gurbani from Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Mann expressed disappointment over the delay in the Governor’s signature on the approved bill, stating it was tantamount to suppressing the democratic will of Punjab’s people. He also alerted the Governor to the upcoming expiry of the SGPC’s agreement with the mentioned channel on July 23rd, 2023, warning that without immediate action, millions of devotees might be deprived of the live broadcast of Holy Gurbani from Sri Harmandir Sahib, causing severe distress to their religious sentiments.