Fashion-cum-wellness influencer Archana Makwana stirred the pot of controversy by performing the Yoga pose Sirsasana on Sri Harminder Sahib (Golden Temple) premises on International Yoga Day (June 21). An official complaint was lodged with the police by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). The Amritsar Police has issued orders to the influencer to appear in Police Station Division E by June 30.
Following the SGPC’s complaint, a case under section 295A of the IPC was registered against Archana Makwana. This section deals with intentional outraging of the religious sentiments of any class, which could lead to imprisonment or a fine, or both.
Postponing the legal action, a notice was issued to appear in the concerned police station by June 30. If Archana Makwana does not appear till June 30, then 2 more such notices will be sent. Failure to adhere to those notices will result in a police team being dispatch to Gujarat for her arrest.
What is the Archana Makwana yoga controversy?
Archana Makwana sparked controversy after she performed Yoga at the premises of Golden Temple to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21. As soon as Archana Makwana's Sirsasana pictures went viral on social media, she started facing the heat of the Sikh community. She later posted an apology video on her Instagram page claiming that she was receiving death threats and that her actions were never intended cause any harm to anyone’s sentiments. She was also provided with police security by the Gujarat police.
The SGPC condemned the Yogi’s actions and lodged a complaint with the police. It also took action of its own, firing three of the sevadars who were on duty at time of the incident. SGPC has issued instructions that if such an incident happens in future, strict action will be taken.