Six Sikhs released after winning legal battle against local police in Nanded

Six Sikhs have been released from prison after winning a legal battle against local police in Nanded.

The Sikhs were represented by UN-affiliated international non-profit United Sikhs in their case, who triumphed in the legal battle after their clients had already spent 5 months in prison.

The High Court released the Sikhs from Jalna Jail on 8th October 2021 after police had arrested them on 29th March 2021.  At the time, local authorities had tried to place barriers around Sachkhand Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib Gurdwara to prevent the annual Hola Mohalla procession from happening.

Sachkhand Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib is one of the five Takhs, or thrones, of the Sikh faith and is a Gurdwara known for having strong Nihung Singh presence. This section of the Sikh community have maintained the Hola Mohalla celebration traditions for centuries. The reason given by police for the clampdown on Hola Mohalla celebrations was covid protocol restrictions. However, such restrictions were not enforced by authorities against large Hindu celebrations of Holi and other events which saw big gatherings.

Two of the accused, Manmohan Singh and Rana Singh thanked the Sangat (Sikh congregation) and United for their support.

“We thank the Sangat and United Sikhs for helping us get through this ordeal… [and for] taking care of our families in our absence,” said Manmohan Singh.