Last Updated: 12th October, 2023 20:33 IST
Sikkim High Court dismisses petition seeking restoration of Gurudwara at Gurudongmar
First Published: 11th October, 2023 20:28 IST
The issue over the shrine started in 2017, when local Buddhist people allegedly removed the religious items, including Guru Granth Sahib, from Gurdwara Guru Dongmar Sahib
Copy edited by Haynashree Narjary
Ending the 6-year old dispute between the Sikhs and Buddhists over the alleged conversion of Gurdwara Guru Dongmar Sahib in Sikkim into a Buddhist shrine, the High Court of Sikkim dismissed the petition filed in 2017 by petitioner Sri Guru Singh Sabha and another, protesting the removal of Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) and Nishan Sahib (flag) and other religious items from the Gurdwara at Gurudongmar in North Sikkim.
The court, in its judgment pronounced on October 10, dismissed the appeal after the state government’s closing arguments were presented by Zangpo Sherpa, the Additional Advocate General, on September 5 last.
The issue over the shrine started in 2017, when local Buddhist people allegedly removed the religious items, including Guru Granth Sahib, from Gurdwara Guru Dongmar Sahib. Later, the removed items were taken to Gurudwara at Chungthang as the petitioners felt it was disrespectful to their faith.
The petitioners then moved the Court against the Buddhists for removing the Guru Granth Sahib, thereby depriving the petitioners of their rights to conduct the religious rituals that were imperative preceding such removal.
They also alleged that the removal of the “Nishan Sahib,” which was flying at the same place, caused sacrilege to their place and articles of worship.
Further, the petitioner demanded immediate restoration of the Holy Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Nishan Sahib, and fixing all internal furniture and other holy items in the Gurdwara premises at the Gurudongmar Lake as they were prior to August 16, 2017.
Meanwhile, Sonam Lama, Minister of Ecclesiastical Department expressed his happiness and thanked the High Court for the result in favour of the Buddhist people.
Also Read : Big allegation by Cong. Says PM, HM has no time for people of flood-ravaged Sikkim who are crying for help
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live 8 Killed, 3 Injured in 2 Separate Road Accidents in Assam
23rd November 2024Live By-Poll Vote Counting For 1 Seat In Meghalaya And 5 In Assam Begins
23rd November 2024Live Wayanad bypolls: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leads with 5,672 votes; CPI, BJP candidates trail in 2nd, 3rd spots
23rd November 2024Live Counting begins for Jharkhand, Maharashtra elections, along with bypolls across 15 states
23rd November 2024WE RECOMMEND
Sikkim BJP Leader Slams State Govt’s Proposal to Close 97 Schools
Thapa stated that shutting down of schools was not the solution and suggested the government to focus on providing quality education.
21st November 2024Sikkim: Teacher Found Dead in Her Rented Space in Gangtok
No suicide note has been recovered from her room. The cause of death is being treated as suspicious until a post-mortem is conducted.
15th November 202497 Sikkim Schools Sikkim to Be Merged: Education Minister Raju Basnett
The Minister noted that input from local panchayats would guide the government on how best to utilize these spaces.
14th November 2024Citizen Action Party Accuses Sikkim Government of Misusing GLOF Relief Funds, To File PIL
Rai said that as per information obtained through RTI, Rs. 57 crore was used to clear debris from affected areas.
13th November 2024French Ambassador Thierry Mathou Arrives in Gangtok
The ambassador traveled from Darjeeling to Sikkim, where he was warmly welcomed by local officials and residents.
10th November 2024