Sikhs seek justice over US temple ruling

Dubai Sikhs all over the world are shocked over a Texas court ruling ordering that the only Sikh temple or gurdwara in Austin, whose construction was completed only months ago, be torn down.

A Texas resident told Gulf News during an interview over telephone that construction of the temple began after an approval from the city authorities, and after the completion of all necessary formalities.

However, the construction had not been smooth over the years due to opposition by the local Bolliers community, which argued that the temple would be an eyesore and a traffic magnet, and would lower their property's value.

Harbans Lal, Emeritus Professor at the U. North Texas Health Science Centre, said Austin Gurdwara Sahib (AGS), a non-profit, Sikh organisation purchased land in the west side of the Greater Austin area in 2003 to start the first permanent gurdwara in the capital city.

In 2005, to improve the facilities, AGS decided to build a more contemporary building. AGS applied for, and was granted, all the necessary permits from the city authorities, Professor Lal said.

"The construction commenced in late 2007, and the members of the Austin Sikh community celebrated laying the initial foundation stone of the gurdwara.

"However, the festive mood came to an abrupt stop immediately after the foundation had finished in February 2008, when the Bolliers filed for an injunction against the construction," Professor Lal said.

AGS agreed to cease construction until the issue was resolved by the trial court. After a favourable ruling by the court, AGS proceeded to complete the gurdwara construction.

Professor Lal said that earlier this month, months after the construction was complete, the Appellate Court reversed the lower court's ruling.