Overview
- The Maharashtra government on Tuesday postponed introducing legislation to replace the 1956 Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Act and created a committee of senior administrators to consult Sikh stakeholders before any final draft is prepared.
- A panel chaired by retired Justice Bhatia had drawn up the contested proposals that prompted strong pushback from Takht Sri Hazur Sahib caretakers who issued a gurmata rejecting the repeal plan.
- Officials, including Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, said the state does not intend to take control of the gurdwara and that management will remain with the Sikh community while the committee gathers views.
- Reported elements of the earlier draft that will now be discussed include expanding the gurdwara board from 17 to 21 members, raising elected seats from five to six, and having the board elect its president and vice-president internally.
- BJP leaders from Punjab and Delhi engaged Maharashtra’s chief minister to press for consultations and have urged Sikh bodies such as the SGPC and local jathebandis to submit suggestions as the committee prepares a revised draft; observers should watch for whether talks resolve concerns about religious autonomy and proposed redevelopment plans.