London gets world's first Sikh court for family dispute resolution

British Sikh lawyers have established a first-of-its-kind court to provide an alternative dispute resolution forum for the Sikh community in the UK. The Sikh court aims to assist Sikh families in resolving family and civil disputes "in line with Sikh principles", according to Baldip Singh, a co-founder of the court.

"This is not a religious tribunal," Baldip Singh told The Times.

"This is not a religious tribunal but aimed at assisting Sikh families in their time of need when dealing with conflict and disputes in line with Sikh principles," said Singh, a 33-year-old London-based barrister.

The court, launched last weekend in London, will operate with a combination of remote and in-person proceedings, staffed by a team of "around 30 magistrates and 15 judges, of whom most will be women," as reported by The Times.

The Sikh Court will formally open on June 1, 2024, according to the Sikh court website.

Magistrates will play a mediatory role, facilitating communication between parties in disputes and guiding them towards relevant support services.

These services, developed in collaboration with Sikh charities, address issues such as domestic violence, anger management, and substance abuse. Courses are offered in both Punjabi and English.

If mediation efforts prove unsuccessful, disputes can be brought before a Sikh court judge for a legally binding resolution under the Arbitration Act.

However, participation in the court's proceedings is entirely voluntary.

"Both parties in a case would have to consent to participating," Singh clarified.

The court's role is not to replace the existing legal system.

"We're not here to take over and upset the English courts. If we think there are safeguarding issues that we cannot handle, they will be directed to the appropriate place," said Sharan Bhachu, the court's newly appointed "lead family judge".