Calls for Sikh temple bosses to quit after legal battle with disabled worshippers

Councillor Milkinder Jaspal said the committee at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, should 'do the honourable thing' and step down from their leadership roles.

Five worshippers had brought legal action against the committee over allegations disabled and elderly members unable to sit down were forced to sit behind screens in the prayer hall and dining room.

Earlier this week a deal was struck between the two sides requiring bosses to remove the screens from two rooms, as well as associated signs.

Mr Jaspal, a member of the Sedgley Street temple congregation, said: "If the members of the committee have any self-respect they should do the honourable thing and resign.

"They have let down the Sikh community very badly by this shameful attempt to bring the temple into disrepute.

"In the eyes of many of us there is only one option left for the committee, and that is for them to step down with immediate effect."

He also called on the committee to pay all legal costs out of their own pockets.

"Although the committee never had a leg to stand on, they have, out of foolishness, pursued a case that has ended up costing a fortune and causing great embarrassment to the temple," he added.

A trial had been due to start at Birmingham County Court on Monday but a deal was struck which requires bosses to remove all of the screens from both rooms as well as signs which banned the use of chairs and wheelchairs.

In addition a lift will be installed providing access to the first-floor prayer hall and 'all necessary auxiliary aids' as set out by Wolverhampton council will be permitted, including chairs with arm rests.

The ruling committee must also pay costs, which claimants say is in excess of £150,000, as part of the deal.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind and could impact practices at Sikh Gurdwaras up and down the country.

However, Wolverhampton Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal defended the temple committee. He said: "I strongly believe that no one should resign as we as a community should learn from this and move on together."

A spokesman for the temple's ruling committee said: "We are delighted that the disability claim has been amicably settled.

"As the claimants have lately been willing to compromise their claim for damages for a nominal amount we, on behalf of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, have therefore amicably agreed to pay the claimants' costs to avoid any hardship.

"The Gurdwara would want to send the message that all are welcome with open hands and that the Gurdwara will continue to build on the provision for making suitable provision for the disabled."

The Gurdwara maintains it provided reasonable adjustments for members of the congregation with disabilities whilst acting in line with the highest temporal authority in the Sikh faith.