UK's First Sikh Court: A New Dispute Resolution Forum for the Sikh Community
A group of British Sikh lawyers have established a new court to help resolve family and civil disputes within the Sikh community.
The court, which was launched last weekend in London, is not a religious tribunal but aims to assist Sikh families in conflict in accordance with Sikh principles.
The court was founded by a 33-year-old London-based barrister named Baldip Singh and was not described as a religious tribunal in a report by 'The Times'.
A new court, primarily composed of women magistrates and judges, is being established to operate both remotely and in person.
The court aims to mediate disputes between parties and direct them to courses focusing on domestic violence, anger management, gambling, and substance misuse.
These courses will be available in Punjabi and English.
If mediation fails, cases can be brought before a Sikh court judge for a legally binding judgment under the Arbitration Act.
A new Sikh court has been established with rules requiring the consent of both parties in a case to participate.
The court, led by barrister Sharan Bhachu, will only handle cases with significant safeguarding issues that cannot be dealt with by the English courts.
Bhachu emphasized that the new court is not intended to disrupt the English legal system.