In a significant legal development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the state of Punjab and renowned Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan. This action is in response to a criminal revision petition linked to accusations against Maan for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
The case originates from an August 2021 FIR filed by Paramjit Singh Akali of the Sikh Youth Power of Punjab. Akali alleges that Maan made remarks during a performance at the Urs of Sai Murad Shah Ji, which offended the Sikh community. Despite the police filing a cancellation report, a recent petition seeks to overturn the trial court’s decision to accept this report.
Harjinder Singh, alias Jinda, and others filed the petition challenging a February 22, 2024, ruling by the subdivisional judicial magistrate in Nakodar. The petition argues that the trial court overlooked crucial evidence, including a video apology by Maan on Facebook, and failed to adequately consider the protest petition.
Represented by counsel Ramandeep Singh Gill and A.S. Chahal, the petitioners claim Maan’s reference to Dera Mukhi as ‘Satguru’—a term reserved for the one pious God in Gurbani—deeply offended the Sikh community.
Justice Sandeep Moudgil has scheduled the next hearing for June 13, marking a crucial step in this high-profile case.
