http://www.tribuneindia.com/<wbr>2010/20100202/punjab.htm#10
DSGMC can't call Sarbat Khalsa: Avtar Singh
Neeraj Bagga
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, February 1
SGPC president Avtar Singh said today that Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna was not empowered to call a "Sarbat Khalsa" and that there was no need for the same.
Earlier, Sarna sought calling of the "Sarbat Khalsa" for discussing the issues of the excommunication of Prof Darshan Singh from the community and changes in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Avtar Singh said from the statement of Sarna it seemed that he was not aware of the established procedure and circumstances in which the "Sarbat Khalsa" was called.
He said only the Jathedar of Akal Takht was empowered to call the "Sarbat Khalsa".
The SGPC chief alleged that the DSGMC chief was releasing baseless statements to mislead the community and added that questioning the edict of Akal Takht also amounted to guilt.
He said former Akal Takht Jathedar Prof Darshan Singh was given ample time to present his case in front of the five Sikh high priests. However, the former Jathedar did not find it suitable to turn up before the priests, which apparently evinced his "egoistic attitude", he added.
On changes in the calender, he said it had brought "disgruntled" sections within the community closer.
DSGMC can't call Sarbat Khalsa: Avtar Singh
Neeraj Bagga
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, February 1
SGPC president Avtar Singh said today that Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna was not empowered to call a "Sarbat Khalsa" and that there was no need for the same.
Earlier, Sarna sought calling of the "Sarbat Khalsa" for discussing the issues of the excommunication of Prof Darshan Singh from the community and changes in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Avtar Singh said from the statement of Sarna it seemed that he was not aware of the established procedure and circumstances in which the "Sarbat Khalsa" was called.
He said only the Jathedar of Akal Takht was empowered to call the "Sarbat Khalsa".
The SGPC chief alleged that the DSGMC chief was releasing baseless statements to mislead the community and added that questioning the edict of Akal Takht also amounted to guilt.
He said former Akal Takht Jathedar Prof Darshan Singh was given ample time to present his case in front of the five Sikh high priests. However, the former Jathedar did not find it suitable to turn up before the priests, which apparently evinced his "egoistic attitude", he added.
On changes in the calender, he said it had brought "disgruntled" sections within the community closer.
