AMRITSAR: The Sikh community has hailed Union law minister Salman Khurshid’s statement regarding implementation of the Anand Marriage Act (Sikh’s separate marriage Act) in the near future.
Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh said, “I appreciate Khurshid’s gesture as it is acknowledgment of Sikh’s separate identity”. He said the law minister should now ensure that the Anand Marriage Act is implemented without delay.
Sant Samaj chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa said a separate Marriage Act is the birth right of Sikhs, which had been denied to them, while other communities enjoyed their own Acts. He said Congress leader took the step under pressure from various Sikh groups.
Editor-in-chief, Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University Patiala, professor Jodh Singh said that the minister’s gesture would spell a wave of happiness among Sikhs, but at the same time the issue would provide the much-needed fodder to political parties ahead of assembly elections. “Congress leaders would stake claim of implementing Anand Marriage Act while the opponents would claim that the decision was taken due to pressure by them,” Singh said.
Professor of Guru Nanak Studies of Guru Nanak Dev University, Balwant Singh Dhillon, said, “It’s better late than never. I am happy that finally wisdom has prevailed and government has taken this decision.”
Convener of American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Pritpal Singh praised the Indian government for the separate marriage Act for Sikhs.
Source: Times of India
