Open Letter from Croydon Sangat regarding expulsion of committee member

 

15th June 2021

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This letter is to bring to your kind attention that sangat members of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Croydon have been at a loss at the recent turn of events related to the apparent mis-management within the committee.

We would like to especially quote the unfortunate event where two of the members were expelled by a vote of no-confidence under your authority and guidance. The recent election was called and organized by yourselves, it was good to have an independent monitor who on the day ensured the process of voting and declaration of results were in accordance with election guidance that you had issued. Although as tradition and normal protocol dictates, the official handover and transfer of responsibilities should have occurred on the day, following the declaration of results. 

May we respectfully remind you that All of the committee members (including you) have been elected by Sangat & therefore represent Sangat. At the same time, you are entrusted to uphold the constitution and be guided by Sangat. As the events have unfolded it seems that some of the Sangat's elected members have been cast aside by a preconceived & nefarious plan. This appears to be a vendetta rather than an innocent mis-understanding.

The Gurdwara belongs to the sangat (it is not a private enterprise) everything is done voluntarily as part of the Sewa, and all sewadars are accountable to the Sangat. We are hereby forced to question the ethos of the committee.

President: Mr Paramjit Singh Palaha & Trustee Mrs Hardiyal Kaur Virdee have been part & parcel of various committees previously & understand the responsibilities of being an elected member. They are both respected and valued members of the Croydon community and their previous stints were unquestionably successful. According to our understanding, both have furnished DBS checks (which surprisingly seems to be the bone of contention here). 

Both were expelled before the handover process could even begin, and it is evident that handover was deliberately delayed & questions your motives and impartiality as a chairman.

We feel let down & assume that you are being party to this agenda. At the same time, Sangat has the right to know from you the reasons behind these actions. According to Article 7 1(A) The Chairman will be totally impartial and the main role of the Chairman is: A To keep the Sangat advised of developments affecting the Sabha, by regular announcements from the Stage. Did you act impartially & keep Sangat informed of this event? If there is gross misconduct or any other misdemeanor alleged against any elected member, surely the sangat should be notified, indeed consulted on the matter? The sangat sees ‘expulsion’ of any member a very serious matter and deserves to know.

Few questions where reasons/answers need clarification-

1. What is the gross misconduct by Mrs Hardiyal Kaur Virdee?

2. What is the conflict of interest against Mr Paramjit Singh Palaha? 

3. Do all members of the committee hold the same level of certification and DBS checks?

4. Did both President & Trustee refuse checks?

5. Were they given enough time to furnish the checks, and did you consider that it is taking longer than normal for checks to come through during Pandemic. 

6. If DBS checks are required, this should be a pre-requisite as part of the election/candidature process & not an afterthought.

7. Finally, did you as Chairman show complete impartiality and transparency in arriving at this decision? 

8. Did you show leadership as head of the committee and endeavor to mediate and resolve conflict in an amicable way? 

9. Did you make the whole committee aware of the ‘situation’ (certainly 4 of the newly elected members were not aware?) or make the decision in isolation? 

We have been part of this community for over 40 years and never had to step in to question such behavior, but find this intervention is necessary to safeguard the integrity of elected committee members. We fear this election has descended into a farce and it is Sangat's & Gurudwara's loss.

We would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to understand the circumstances of the current predicament. Ideally in the Gurudwara hall on a Saturday evening. Please respond with a suitable time for a discussion to be held latest by 30th June 2021.

 

Kind Regards, 

 

Sangat 

Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Croydon

Email : croydonsangat@gmail.com

Emailed to: 

chairman@croydongurdwara.co.uk ; info@sikhcounciluk.org ; RCCorres1@charitycommission.gov.uk