The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made a significant decision in the case involving Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan's allegedly offensive remarks about religious sentiments. In 2021, Gurdas Maan faced criticism after he referred to Shri Ladi Sai Ji, a revered figure at the Nakodar dargah, as a descendant of Shri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj during the Baba Murad Shah fair in Nakodar.
Recently, the person who filed the First Information Report (FIR) challenging the Nakodar court's decision took the matter to the High Court. The High Court's ruling has nullified the Nakodar court's orders, leading to the cancellation of the case against Gurdas Maan.
The petitioner, known as Harjinder Singh alias Jinda, argued that Gurdas Maan's statement had hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. Consequently, the High Court issued notices to all involved parties, requesting their responses by June 13.
In response to the controversy, Gurdas Maan issued an apology on social media, expressing regret for any unintended hurt that his words may have caused. He clarified that it was never his intention to disrespect the Sikh Guru and stressed that criticizing a saint is similar to a serious offense. Gurdas Maan emphasized his respect for Shri Guru Amardas Ji Maharaj and expressed regret if his words had caused hurt.
The incident had led to protests by Sikh organizations, resulting in a case being filed against Gurdas Maan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Effigies of the singer were burned during demonstrations. However, his subsequent apology video was aimed at pacifying the Sikh community.