London: The Sikh Federation (UK) has welcomed what it calls a “significant victory” for the Sikh community after the Charity Commission dropped its objection to Khalistan plaques at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Slough, following a five-and-a-half-year dispute.
The Commission had previously ordered the removal of Khalistan banners in December 2024, warning trustees they “risk being in breach of their legal duties” and that failure to comply “could be considered misconduct and/or mismanagement.” That directive, issued after a complaint from a pro-Modi journalist, had set a 10 March 2025 deadline for compliance.
Following months of “intense community, political and legal pressure,” the Charity Commission has now confirmed it is “not preventing the Charity’s congregation, nor the Slough Sikh community from discussing or holding views about the Khalistan movement” to establish an independent Sikh State.
Dabinderjit Singh, Lead Executive for Political Engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said:
“Most sensible people understand the significance of the Charity Commission climbdown on the ‘Khalistan plaque’ issue. Today we are addressing the false Indian propaganda and being forced to share details of the wider victory for those campaigning for an independent Sikh State, Khalistan.”
The Sikh Federation (UK) says all Gurdwaras “have been officially given the green light not only to have prominent Khalistan signs,” but also to allow religious leaders to “comment on political issues and talk openly about the persecution of Sikhs in India and elsewhere and allow the Sangat to promote the Khalistan movement” as part of the Sikh concepts of Miri-Piri and Raj Karega Khalsa.
The Sikh Federation (UK) has also lodged a complaint with Ofcom against a MATV programme aired on 8 August, alleging it spread “false Indian propaganda” and targeted Gurdwaras, organisations, individuals, and three Sikh MPs named by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Slough.
“These details will infuriate the Indian government and their stooges who are no doubt lobbying the UK Government,” Dabinderjit Singh added.
The Sikh Federation (UK) has encouraged other Gurdwaras, organisations, individuals, and concerned members of the Sangat who were named in the broadcast to also file complaints with Ofcom.
UK Sikh Gurdwaras Can Have K-plaques: Sikh Federation UK Welcomes Charity Commission’s Decision
