Punjab Police has registered an FIR against the fashion designer and lifestyle influencer Archana Makwana for allegedly “hurting religious sentiments” by performing yoga at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The case was filed following a complaint by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Makwana has been booked under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for “deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class”, according to the police. The FIR was registered on Saturday.
The incident occurred on the International Day of Yoga when Makwana visited the Golden Temple and performed yoga in the ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) path. Photos of the act were shared on the social media, sparking widespread outrage among the Sikh community.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed strong disapproval of Makwana’s actions. “No one can be allowed to act against Sikh conduct at the Golden Temple. Some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts,” he said, adding, “Sikh sentiments and maryada (conduct) have been hurt by this act, so a complaint has been filed with the police.”
In response to the incident, the SGPC also suspended three of its employees for failing to perform their duties diligently. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh confirmed the FIR and stated that CCTV footage from the Darbar Sahib indicated the act seemed planned for publicity rather than a genuine visit of obeisance.
Makwana, however, apologized for her actions in a story posted on her Instagram handle. “I posted something without intending to harm anyone’s religious sentiments. I was unaware that practising yoga in the Gurdwara Sahib premises could be offensive to some as I was just paying my respect to Him and did not mean any harm to anyone,” she wrote. “I sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused and promise to be more mindful in the future. Please accept my sincere apologies,” she added.
Following the viral spread of the images, local authorities were quick to act. The SGPC lodged a formal complaint with the Police, prompting immediate action. The FIR underscored the serious nature of the offense in the eyes of the community and law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the broader public reaction has been mixed, with many expressing support for the stringent measures taken by the SGPC and police. Others, however, have called for a more understanding approach, considering Makwana's public apology and apparent lack of malicious intent.
