Chandigarh: After facing severe criticism from Sikh circles, Advo. Satnam Singh Kaler, who is also chairman of Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, announced to withdraw from defending Ex-DGP Sumedh Saini.
Sumedh Saini is booked by Mataur police under FIR No. 77/2020 for enforced disappearance of a Sikh youth in 1991.
Satnam Singh Kaler & His Son Appeared for Sumedh Saini:
After registration of case against him, Sumedh Saini is on the run in an attempt to escape his arrest. He has also applied for anticipatory bail in a Mohali court.
On Friday (May 8) Advocate Satnam Singh Kaler and his son Arshdeep Singh Kaler appeared for Sumedh Saini in District and Sessions court Mohali and demanded stay on his arrest.
The court, however, refused to stay Sumedh Saini’s arrest and fixed May 9 as court date for hearing arguments on anticipatory bail plea.
Kaler’s Proximity With Badals:
Satnam Singh Kaler is know for his proximity with Badals who had nominated him as chairman of Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission in December 2016.
His son is legal advisor of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), a party led and controlled by Badals’ family.
Satnam Singh Kaler’s move to defend Sumedh Saini sparked a controversy and he was condemned by various Sikh circles.
An Attempt to Damage Control:
In an attempt to control the damage, Satnam Singh Kaler announced to withdraw from the defence of Sumedh Saini. He said that he was taken this case just to offer professional services but as his move has hurt Sikh sentiments, he has decided to withdraw from the case. He said that he will not defend Sumedh Saini anymore.
Statement by Advo. Satnam Singh Kaler, Chair of Gurdwara Judicial Commission. After facing wrath of Sikh netizens he announced to withdraw from defence of #SumedhSaini. Attempt to damage control by @Akali_Dal_ as #SGPC people forwarding his statement to media persons. pic.twitter.com/vPubF6QAEo
— ਪਰਮਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ || Parmjeet Singh (@iamparmjit) May 8, 2020
He also apologised for hurting Sikh feelings.
Not Only Defending Sumedh Saini:
Notably, Satnam Singh Kaler did not only appear for Sumedh Saini in the court. He is known for defending cops who are facing charges of fake encounters, enforces disappearances and extra-judicial murders of Sikh youth during 1980s-1990s period.
Why Sikhs Are Angry with Satnam Singh Kaler:
It may appear to some that Sikhs are trying to prevent a professional from carrying his profession freely but it is not so. Sikhs are angry with Satnam Singh Kaler because he holds the post of Chairman of Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, a statutory post under the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925.
The expenditure of the commission, including honorarium of its members and chairman, are paid from Gurdwara exchequer, which comprises mainly offerings of the Sikh sangat.
Sikhs are angry because a person holding heading a Sikh commission is defending those who are accused for eliminating Sikh youths in an organised and systematic manner.