Should Delhi Assembly Speaker Disqualify Atishi as Requested by Sukhbir Badal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal calls for Atishi's disqualification.
- Accusations of blasphemy against the Guru Sahiban.
- Concerns raised about communal harmony in India.
- Legal implications under Indian Penal Code.
- Significance of the Sikh religious authority in this context.
Chandigarh, Jan 17 (NationPress) The President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, has formally requested the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, to disqualify the Leader of Opposition, Atishi, from her position in the House due to her alleged blasphemous comments regarding the Guru Sahiban.
In his letter to Gupta, Badal expressed his deep distress over Atishi’s behavior, emphasizing that as both a party leader and a devout Sikh, he found her actions unacceptable. He argued that Atishi’s behavior represented a serious violation of privilege and showed contempt for the House, signifying actions unbecoming of a legislator.
“When a member publicly disrespects the faith, the Guru Sahiban, and the religious feelings of the minority Sikh community, they not only lose their moral authority but also their constitutional right to serve as a lawmaker,” Badal stated. He asserted that Atishi’s comments amounted to religious blasphemy under Sikh doctrines and were deliberately intended to offend the Sikh community’s sentiments.
“Given these circumstances, I urge you to consider filing an FIR against Atishi under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code for causing harm to religious feelings, and Section 153-A for inciting hatred and discord among communities,” Badal added, voicing his concern that such provocations pose a significant threat to the precious environment of peace and communal harmony in Punjab and across India.
Stressing that Sikhs globally were looking to him for guidance, Badal informed the Speaker that this issue has raised significant alarm within Panthic institutions, which are led by the highest religious authority of the Sikhs, Akal Takht Sahib. He also conveyed that the Sikh Guru Sahiban symbolizes the eternal spiritual sovereignty of Akal Purakh and the collective commitment of the Khalsa Panth to the eternal truths of cosmic harmony and universal brotherhood, transcending divisions of caste, creed, religion, language, or region.
“The Khalsa Panth draws its divine authority and inspiration from the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the eternal living embodiment of the Guru Sahiban,” he remarked, urging the Speaker to set a precedent for future generations, ensuring that the nation stands as a beacon of respect for all faiths, particularly for minority communities.