British Sikh lawyers have established a groundbreaking court in London to provide an alternative dispute resolution platform for the Sikh community in the UK. The Sikh court aims to assist Sikh families in resolving family and civil disputes in alignment with Sikh principles, according to Baldip Singh, one of the co-founders.
However, Singh emphasized that this initiative is not a religious tribunal but rather an effort to aid Sikh families dealing with conflicts and disputes, grounded in Sikh principles.
The court, which was launched recently in London, will function with a blend of remote and in-person proceedings. It will be staffed by a team of around 30 magistrates and 15 judges, with a significant representation of women, as reported by The Times.
Scheduled to formally open on June 1, 2024, the Sikh Court will operate under the guidance of magistrates who will facilitate communication between disputing parties and steer them towards appropriate support services. These services, developed in collaboration with Sikh charities, address various issues including domestic violence, anger management, and substance abuse, and are offered in both Punjabi and English.
In cases where mediation efforts fail, disputes can be referred to a Sikh court judge for a legally binding resolution under the Arbitration Act. Importantly, participation in the court's proceedings is entirely voluntary, requiring consent from both parties involved.
It's important to note that the Sikh Court does not aim to replace the existing legal system but rather complement it. If safeguarding issues arise that are beyond its scope, cases will be directed to the appropriate authorities, ensuring that the welfare of the individuals involved is prioritized.
Overall, this initiative reflects a significant step forward in providing tailored dispute resolution services for the Sikh community in the UK, grounded in their cultural and religious values.
