(1.) This order of ours shall dispose of CWP Nos.17771 of 2003; 14179 of 2010; 18160 of 2011 as the issues involved therein are either interlinked or inter-dependent. Before extracting the facts in extenso from CWP No.17771 of 2003, it being the oldest, we deem it appropriate to tersely refer to some of the orders passed by different Division Benches, resulting into placement of these cases before a larger Bench even in the absence of a formal reference order. CWP No.17771 of 2003
(2.) Sehajdhari Sikh Federation - a registered Political Party has preferred this writ petition statedly in public interest, seeking quashing of the Notification dated 8th October, 2003 issued by the Central Government purportedly in exercise of its powers under Section 72 of the Punjab Re-organization Act, 1966 (in short, 'the 1966 Act') whereby Sections 49 and 92 of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 (in short, 'the 1925 Act') have been 'amended' to the extent of denying the Sehajdhari Sikhs their right to vote in the elections of Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) i.e. the Board and other statutory Committees constituted under the said Act. The afore-stated writ petition, owing to the public importance of the issue involved, was directed to be posted for hearing along with CWP No.13282 of 2008 (Gurleen Kaur & Ors. vs. State of Punjab & Ors.) which had already been referred to and listed before a Full Bench comprising three Judges of this Court.
(3.) The Full Bench while deciding Gurleen Kaur and others v. State of Punjab & Ors.,2009 3 RCR 324 on 30.05.2009 segregated this case by a separate order observing that the controversy raised in the instant writ petition is separate and distinct from the one raised in Gurleen Kaur and other's case.