Chandigarh, August 17
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President. Harmeet Singh Kalka today urged the immediate release of Sikh detainees, referred to as Bandhi Sikhs, who have been languishing in various jails across India for 30-35 years, despite having completed their sentences many years ago.
Kalka’s demand comes in response to an August 12, 2025, Supreme Court order expressing concern over prisoners remaining incarcerated beyond their sentence terms. The apex court directed all states and Union Territories to promptly release such convicts if they are not wanted in any other cases.
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“The Supreme Court’s order has strengthened the case for the release of Bandhi Sikhs,” Kalka stated in a press release. He emphasized that the court’s directive mandates the circulation of the order by the Registry to the Home Secretaries of all states and Union Territories to verify if any accused or convict remains in jail beyond their sentence period. “These orders must be implemented in their true spirit,” Kalka urged, making a heartfelt appeal for the release of the Sikh detainees.
The Supreme Court’s double bench further instructed, “Issue directions for the release of such convicts if not wanted in any other case.” The court also ordered that a copy of the judgment be sent to the Member Secretary of the National Legal Services Authority for onward transmission to all State and Union Territory Legal Services Authorities, ensuring communication to District Legal Services Authorities for effective implementation.
Kalka highlighted that many Sikh detainees have not been granted furlough or parole even once since their arrest. Having completed their sentences, they are now reformed individuals, and the circumstances surrounding their arrests have significantly changed. He appealed to various state governments and the Central Government to expedite the processing of pending cases for the release of these Bandhi Sikhs.
