SGPC row: Centre's directive must be obeyed, says new Har guv

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 26 2014 | 4:23 PM IST
As controversy raged over Haryana's move to create a separate Gurdwara Management Committee, Governor-designate Kaptan Singh Solanki today said the Centre's directive against it "must be obeyed".
Solanki said though his opinion was personal, he would look into all aspects before taking a decision on the Centre's directive to annul the Act passed by the state Assembly, to which the former Governor has already accorded sanction.
"Under the circumstances, if the central government says something, I think it is my personal opinion that it must be obeyed," Solanki said.
He said that although he cannot say anything off-hand on what he will do once he takes over as the new Governor, he "will look into all aspects".
"If the matter comes before me, I will go through all the facts as per the Constitution. I will ensure that there will be no political interference in this matter," he said.
Solanki said he is open to consider the matter and look into the legality of the issue of Haryana forming a separate SGPC, which Punjab has strongly objected to, saying it is "unconstitutional" and "illegal".
He added if there is another opinion, that will also be sought.
BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh, Solanki, has been appointed the new Governor of Haryana to replace Jagannath Pahadia, whose term ends July 26. Solanki is likely to take over his new assignment in a day or two.
Haryana and Punjab are at loggerheads over the issue of a separate SGPC by the latter after the passing of a new law by the state Assembly which was accorded assent by the outgoing Governor Jagannath Pahadia.
Strongly objecting to Haryana's act, Punjab has knocked on the doors of the Centre and sought its intervention, saying that a separate SGPC is in contravention of the Central Gurdwara Act of 1925.
The Centre has asked Haryana to revoke the new law in a communication to the state, which has rejected the Union Home Ministry's directive and instead asked it to "forthwith withdraw" its letter seeking annulment of the Act creating a separate SGPC.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 26 2014 | 4:23 PM IST

Next Story