CHANDIGARH, Dec 19 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday upheld the suspension and termination of SGPC employees accused of distributing Holy Saroops without authorization, while ruling that writ petitions against the disciplinary actions are maintainable.
The case included a petition filed by a SGPC supervisor from the publication department, responsible for maintaining the Holy Saroops. The petitioner was accused of taking “unfair advantage of his position by embezzling funds from unauthorized distribution of Holy Saroops, thereby toying with the sentiments of the community,” Justice Harpreet Singh Brar noted.
Rejecting arguments that the employment relationship was purely contractual, the court observed that Section 69 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, empowers the SGPC executive committee to set conditions of service, including appointments, grades, and removals. Justice Brar said the statutory authority includes framing service rules, giving them binding force.
On the merits, the court said substantial compliance with disciplinary procedures is sufficient and that strict ritualistic adherence is unnecessary when no prejudice is caused. “The petitioner was found guilty of misusing the Holy Saroops, betraying the community he swore to serve,” Justice Brar said.
The writ petitions were dismissed, leaving the suspension and termination orders intact.
