A US court here has dismissed a case of torture and human rights abuses filed against Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President Manjit Singh GK by two individuals, saying it does not have jurisdiction over the case.
In an order issued on June 2, US District Judge Andrew Carter in the Southern District of New York said the case against GK must be dismissed as the court lacks personal and subject matter jurisdiction.
Plaintiffs Harjit Singh and Janki Kaur had filed the case against GK in July last year and were being represented by the law firm of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is the legal advisor of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
SFJ has beeninstrumental in getting summons issued to top Indian political leaders invarious humanrights abuse cases filed in US courts.
The case against GK alleged that he used torture as a tool to wrest the control of DSGMC, a top Sikh body.
Harjit Singh alleged in the case that he faced death threats and torture at the orders of GK after he refused to extend support and campaign for him during 2013 elections of DSGMC.
In his order, Carter said the court "may not reach the merits of the claims" made by the plaintiffs because "it is clear from the complaint that the Court lacks jurisdiction to do so.
"The Court does not have personal jurisdiction over Defendant and it is less than clear whether the Court has subject matter jurisdiction over Plaintiffs' claims."
In a phone conversation with PTI from India, GK alleged that the case was filed against him by SFJ andthe "frivolous charges" levelled against him by SFJ have been proved wrong in a court of law.
He accused SFJ of being "habitual blackmailers", stressing that he and DSGMC stand for a united India.
He said even though there may be differences with the then Indian government over getting justice in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, "we believe in fighting for our rights under the Indian Constitution".
GK stressed that he will continue to fight to bring the "culprits" of the 1984 riots to justice.
