UK Sikhs Approach Court To Stop Meat Plant Next To Gurdwara

LONDON – Hundreds ofBritish Sikhs up in arms againstthe proposal to construct a meatplant right next to a gurdwara inBradford have taken their fightto the high court against the citycouncil’s approval for the unit.The food firm ‘Pakeezah’had proposed to convert a carworkshop next to Guru GobindSingh Gurdwara into a wholesalemeat plant, which was given ago-ahead in August despite protestsby the local Sikh groups.More than 200 members ofthe Sikh community have nowlodged an application for a judicialreview, a decision on which isexpected from the high court bythe middle of next year.“A decision won’t be reachedsoon, but at the very least wehave delayed Pakeezah’s meatplant by at least 12 months. Bradfordcouncil have told the companynot to start work until thejudicial review decision is made,”said Kuljeet Dobe, the lawyerrepresenting the Sikh communityof the northern English city.The proximity of the gurdwara’skitchen to the proposedmeat plant has been the centralpoint of objection against theplans, the Bradford Telegraphnewspaper reported.“We feel they (the city council)haven’t taken into accountthe philosophical and theologicalpoints that were presentedto them in a detailed report.We want the decision reverted,”said Nirmal Singh, chairman ofthe board of representatives ofBradford Gurdwaras.“If we let this one throughnow it will set a precedent forall places of worship. This couldhappen to a church or a mosqueso we need to be unified,” saidKaldeep Singh Duway, the presidentof Guru Gobind SinghGurdwara.Pakeezah director Tariq Haqhas maintained the meat plantwas an extension and would notaffect the temple in any way.Meanwhile, Julian Jacksonof the Bradford Council said, “Ajudicial review application hasbeen submitted challenging thisdecision and a judge’s decisionis awaited as to how this matterwill be dealt with. In the meantime,any work carried out is, ofcourse, at the owner’s own risk.”