In a recent directive, the Delhi High Court has called on the chief secretary to ensure a timely schedule for the preparation of fresh electoral rolls ahead of the Gurdwara elections, slated for August. This instruction aligns with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Rules, emphasizing the need for prompt and efficient action to uphold the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.
Justice Mini Pushkarna expressed significant concern over the delayed commencement of the electoral roll preparation, despite previous court mandates. The court’s April 8 order highlighted the need for a detailed timeline from officials responsible for updating the electoral rolls of the 46 Gurdwara wards in Delhi as per the 1973 rules.
Petitioners S Gurmeet Singh Shunty and S Paramjit Singh Khurana have implored the court to ensure the start and completion of the electoral roll updates, criticizing the prolonged inaction that followed the court’s 2022 directions.
During the proceedings, the Directorate of Gurdwara Elections mentioned needing up to 12 months to compile the new rolls, a timeframe contested by the petitioners’ counsel who argued that only five months were necessary, referencing the 2022 judgment.
With the process yet to begin and the directorate still organizing the required manpower, the court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for May 20. Additionally, the chief secretary must convene a meeting with relevant officials within four weeks and subsequently submit a report on the meeting’s outcomes.
