Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee supporters clashed with the police in Kurukshetra on Wednesday
The Supreme Court today stepped in to defuse a political fight for the control of gurudwaras between Punjab and Haryana. Ordering status quo, the court said, "Time is the healer. All of you proceed with a cool head."
The court was hearing a petition that questioned the constitutional validity of a Haryana government law setting up its own Sikh body to take over the running of about 50 shrines in the state.
All Sikh shrines in India are currently under the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee, or SGPC, controlled by Punjab's ruling Akali Dal.
With the main Sikh body and the Haryana offshoot fighting for control of the Gurudwaras in the state, the court today ordered both to open separate bank accounts and deposit offerings in the shrines.
The court asked the Haryana government to explain whether it had the competence to bring the law.
The Haryana government has also been asked to maintain law and order, a day after street clashes between Sikh protesters and the police in Kurukshetra.
Supporters of the newly-formed Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on Wednesday tried to forcibly enter the 'Chhevin Patshahi', Haryana's main Sikh shrine, when they were stopped by the police.
The police used batons, water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse protesters.At least five policemen were injured in the violence.
The court will take up the case next on August 25.