Srinagar: Following the Jammu Kashmir High Court's decision against adopting Sikh surnames "Singh" or "Kour," the J&K All-Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) opposed the judgment on Friday, deeming it religious interference.
In an official statement, APSCC Chief Jagmohan Singh Raina asserted that the judgment does not adhere to the J&K Gurdwara Endowment Act. The committee views this ruling as undeserved interference in religious matters.
Mr Raina also challenges the judgment's implications, declaring that it will undermine the core beliefs of any religion, whether Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism.
He further added that no individual, including the judiciary or legislature, holds the authority to redefine the limits of any religion.
Finally, he suggested that the Supreme Court of India take suo-motu cognizance of this matter. The J&K High Court has clarified that official recognition as Sikhs does not hinge on the obligatory use of such titles.