"Can't Interfere With Religion," Supreme Court Refuses Plea Concerning Sikh Religious Properties

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition filed by one Charanjeet Singh flagging misutilization of Gurudwara funds and other issues relating to religious property.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Panchole asked Singh, who appeared in person, to raise his grievances before the Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

"Yeh kanoon ke sanshodhan mei hai..Parliament ke paas jaiye aap..wahan petition committee ko apna representation dijiye..hum order karenge toh dharam ke mamle mei interference lagega..," CJI Kant told the petitioner.

When Singh requested the court’s interference saying it took him 60 years to come to the court, CJI Kant responded candidly, "You live in Delhi, how come it took you so long".

Singh, during the hearing, also bowed before the bench and urged it to issue notice. The CJI said while the doors of the court are always open, the relief sought fell within the legislative domain. "The court is here for you; you may come whenever you wish. But these issues require amendments to the law, for which you must go to Parliament. You should approach the Petition Committee of Parliament," the CJI said.

Notably, the plea sought constitution of a National Khalsayi Sikh Heritage Protection Authority for identification, preservation, audit and protection of all Khalsayi Sikh heritage properties across India. It also sought a direction to all state governments and the UTs to prepare and submit to the court a complete inventory of all Sikh religious, historical and endowment properties within their respective jurisdictions, including details of ownership, lease, transfer and encroachments.

Singh also sought a direction to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to conduct a special audit of all statutory bodies, boards, committees and trusts managing Sikh religious properties.

Inquiry by CBI and the Enforcement Directorate into cases involving large-scale illegal alienation, undervaluation, misappropriation or laundering of proceeds derived from Sikh heritage properties.

Case Title: CHARANJEET SINGH Vs UNION OF INDIA

Bench: CJI Kant, Justices Bagchi and Pancholi

Hearing Date: May 20, 2026