Sikh Gurdwaras Bill removes Sahjdhari voting rights retroactively from 2003

This Bill amends the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 to remove the exemption that allowed Sahjdhari Sikhs to vote in elections for the Board and Committees. It does so by substituting the provisos in sections 49 and 92 to strictly prohibit the registration of electors who trim or shave their beard or keshas, smoke, or consume alcohol.

Sikhs residing in constituencies who are over twenty-one years of age and seeking to register as electors for the Board or local committees under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925. Specifically, it affects Sahjdhari Sikhs by removing their previous exemption from the disqualification regarding beard and keshas.

• Substitutes the proviso in section 49 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
• Substitutes the proviso in section 92 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
• Prohibits registration as an elector for anyone who trims or shaves their beard or keshas.
• Prohibits registration as an elector for anyone who smokes.
• Prohibits registration as an elector for anyone who takes alcoholic drinks.
• The amendment is deemed to have come into force from 8th October, 2003.

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