Controversy Over Same-sex Marriage in Bathinda Gurudwara

Controversy has erupted over the marriage of two girls in Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, Bathinda. On 18 Sep, Manisha and Dimple’s marriage was organized by the Granthi (officiant) at the Gurdwara Sahib and blessed by their parents. Now, the Gurdwara Committee has lodged a complaint with the police to take action against the Granthi (officiant) who performed the ceremony. It must be noticed, according to the Indian Penal Code, homosexuality is decriminalized but marriages are not yet allowed. In 2020, the Akal Takht had expressed its ire on a similar marriage in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib in the United States. Current Akal Takht Jathedar has said, 'same-sex marriage was unnatural and contrary to Sikh ethics'. The Shiromani Akali Dal has taken it upon itself to oppose the marriage in the name of ‘saving the religion’. The Granthi who conducted the marriage has apologized. It is strange that a community that prides itself on its sovereignty outside of nation-states, runs to the police and the Indian courts when faced with a crisis. Independent research by Sikh organizations has been providing the context on same-sex and inter-faith marriages.