WSC panel given more time to submit report

Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh has banned Takht Keshgarh Sahib Jathedar Prof Manjit Singh and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh from attending the meetings of the clergy at Akal Takht till the submission of accounts of the World Sikh Council. Prof Manjit Singh was earlier president of the body.

Now a new dimension has been added to the controversy with theconvening of the 8220;general house8221; of the council on November 28 next by Jaswant Singh Mann, its founder secretary general. The accounts are with Mann. He did not attend the meeting of the general house convened earlier this month.

Interestingly, the agenda of the November 28 meeting includes presentation of the accounts of the council upto date, besides presentation of the annual reports for 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99. The meeting would also discuss litigations and organisational matters.

Prof. Manjit Singh, who headed the council till December last, was signatory to the convening of the meeting by Tohra. It is to be seen whether he attends the meeting now summoned by Mann. Prof. Manjit Singh was replaced by Justice Kuldip Singh Retd but his election has become a matter of litigation. Shamsher Singh Maloya, who had challenged his election, subsequently filed application for the withdrawal of the case. Meanwhile, another writ has been filed against the election of Justice Kuldip Singh. It was Tohrawho had impress upon Maloya to withdraw the case to pave the way for putting to an end the controversy about the accounts as Mann had taken the plea of litigation against presenting the accounts.

Mann today said he had convened the meeting of the general house to end all confusion.