Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approached the Amritsar Police Commissioner against the GTC Network, alleging that the network illegally rebroadcast the live telecast of Gurbani from Sri Darbar Sahib by using the feed available on the SGPC’s official YouTube channel.
The SGPC has sought appropriate legal action against those responsible for allegedly retransmitting the broadcast without obtaining permission from the Sikh religious body.
SGPC Claims Exclusive Authority Over Gurbani Broadcast Permission
According to the SGPC, the authority to grant permission for the telecast of Gurbani from Sri Darbar Sahib rests exclusively with the committee.
The committee has maintained that no television network or other platform can independently pick up and retransmit the Gurbani feed without its approval.
The complaint has been filed in connection with the alleged unauthorised use and rebroadcast of the SGPC YouTube channel’s live feed.
SGPC Says PTC Provides Feed Link Without Charging A Fee
The SGPC also clarified the arrangement under which the Gurbani broadcast feed is made available through its YouTube platform.
It said PTC Network has been providing a link to the SGPC’s YouTube channel as a free service, without charging the committee for it.
According to the SGPC, the GTC Network sent a communication to the committee at around 9 pm, seeking permission to carry the live broadcast. However, the committee alleged that instead of waiting for an official response, the network began retransmitting the feed through the SGPC’s YouTube channel early the following morning.
The SGPC has described the alleged action as unauthorised and has sought police intervention.
SGPC May Approach High Court
SGPC legal adviser Advocate Amanbir Singh Siyali said the committee had already issued a legal notice to the GTC Network in connection with the matter.
He said a police complaint has now been submitted against the network’s managing director. Following receipt of the complaint, the Amritsar Police Commissioner has assured the SGPC that the allegations will be examined and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
The SGPC has also indicated that it may approach the High Court if further legal intervention becomes necessary.
The dispute comes amid a wider debate over the rights and permissions governing the live broadcast and retransmission of Gurbani from Sri Darbar Sahib.
