Court: ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’ Not Mandatory for Recognition as Sikh

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, in response to a petition, has clarified that having the surname ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur/Kour’ is not required in order to be recognized as a Sikh. It must be noted many Kashmiri Sikh women spell their name as Kour, instead of Kaur. The petition challenged the District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee elections in Akhnoor. The petitioner contested the election results, citing concerns that non-Sikhs were added to the electoral roll based on the absence of Singh or Kour in their surnames. The petitioner, dissatisfied with the statutory appellate authority’s decision, sought relief from the High Court. He argued that the absence of Singh or Kour in the name violated the Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Gurudwara and Religious Endowment Rules, 1975, defining a Sikh by belief in the ten Gurus, Guru Granth Sahib, and keeping Kesh (long hair). Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal observed, ‘The contention of the petitioner is contrary to the definition laid down in the Act which is not acceptable and the same cannot be sustainable in the eyes of law. There are many people, who do not have Singh or Kour as their surnames, but still they are recognized as Sikh, as they preach the Sikh religion.’ The Akal Takht and SGPC have objected to the ruling. In separate statements, both said the Sikh identity was not subject to worldly courts but was based on conduct blessed by the Gurus. The decision creates opportunities for external interference in Sikh institutions and decision-making processes.