[Neutral Singh]

Sikh Legal Forum formed in Mohali
Sunday 8th May, 2005


Mohali, Punjab (KP) - Following the recent crisis that has hit Sikhs in France, and the embarrassing outcome of the 'UNESCO World Heritage Status' for the SGPC, a Sikh Legal Forum was constitued this week on May 4. "Keeping in view the present challenges faced by the Sikh community all over the world, the Forum was created," stated Hardeep Singh, member, SGPC, who was also active in the drive against the Heritage dossier.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/3508-sikh-legal-forum-formed-in-mohali.html

He said the strength of forum, which was very limited at present, would be increased in due course of time. Legal experts and individuals deeply concerned with Sikh affairs would be included as members of the forum.

Mr Hardeep Singh said the forum would deal with legal aspects of all issues connected to the Sikh religion at the local, national and international levels. Issues such as the denial of religious rights to Sikhs children in France and the fight by Ripudaman Singh in Denmark would be some of the cases that the legal forum would tackle.

The forum would deal with laws directly affecting the Sikh way of life such as safeguarding the social, religious and economic rights of the Sikhs, safeguarding the Sikh ideology, Maryada, Sikh heritage, historical monuments, manuscripts and artefacts. It would address challenges posed to the Sikh psyche by electronic and print medias. The forum would approach international organisations, international courts, the UNO and the government of various countries whenever required.

He said to start with the forum would be taking up a case against the producers of the film 'Bole so Nihal' and the film censor board for making a mockery of the emotions of the Sikhs by using an inappropriate title for the film. Pressure would be also exerted on the government to include Sikh representatives from the SGPC in the censor board.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=3508

The presidium members of the forum were Mr Hardeep Singh, coordinator, Mr Barjinder Singh Loomba, Mr Gurpal Singh and Ms Roop Kaur, all advocates, and Mr Arvinder Singh Bedi.