Bill for separate identity of Sikhs today

Published August 23, 2012 | 5:08 pm

SAANJ NEWS

Chandigarh: The global Sikh community is seeking amendment of the Constitution to recognise Sikhism as a full-fledged religion which at present, under Article 25 of the Constitution of India describes Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism as parts of the Hindu religion.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has allowed Shiromani Akali Dal’s Khadoor Sahib member Rattan Singh Ajnala’s private member Bill to amend Article 25 of the Constitution to meet the community’s pressing demand.

The Bill titled ‘Constitution Amendment Bill 2012’ seeks to drop Explanation II in Article 25, which — while guaranteeing a right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion — defines Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism as components of the Hindu religion.

Ajnala’s private member Bill listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha tomorrow wants Explanation II dropped as it shows that these religions are either part of the Hindu religion or associated with it that he says is causing a big confusion about Sikh identity worldwide.

Posted by on August 23, 2012. Filed under COMMUNITY. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry