barublogThe Supreme Court of India is set to determine whether Sikhs in Punjab should be classified as a minority community, a crucial decision that could impact the rights of the community in the state. This case follows a legal challenge filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which is advocating for the establishment of separate educational institutions to preserve Sikh culture and language.
The SGPC’s Request – Separate Institutions for Sikhs
At the heart of the case is the SGPC’s argument that the Sikh community in Punjab should be recognized as a minority in order to have the legal right to create and run educational institutions exclusively for Sikhs. Currently, the law permits only recognized minorities to set up such institutions, and Sikhs in Punjab, where they make up the majority, face restrictions on enrolling only Sikh students in these schools.
Supreme Court’s Role – Seeking the Centre’s Opinion
The Supreme Court has asked for the Centre’s opinion on whether Sikhs should be treated as a minority in Punjab, where they form the majority with a ratio of approximately 60% Sikhs to 40% non-Sikhs. The court will examine whether the cultural and educational rights of Sikhs should be upheld through the minority status in their home state.
Previous Rejection by the High Court
This case comes after the Punjab High Court rejected the request for minority status, stating that Sikhs in the state were not under threat from other communities. However, the SGPC and other Sikh organizations argue that this status is vital for the protection of their cultural and religious heritage.
What’s Next? A Final Decision in Four Weeks
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a final ruling on the matter within the next four weeks. This decision could have significant implications for the Sikh community in Punjab and the way educational institutions are governed in the state.
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