Demand to End Unconstitutional Taxes: Statement by Sikh Thinker S. Gurjeet Singh Azad

Sikh thinker S. Gurjeet Singh Azad has issued a stern warning to the Punjab Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of unconstitutional taxes. He stated that just like the Jaziya tax during the Mughal era, the present-day “Cow Cess” imposed by some states is also against people’s religious rights and constitutional guarantees.

Azad emphasized that during Mughal rule, the Jaziya tax was forcibly imposed on non-Muslims, violating their religious freedom. Similarly, today’s Cow Cess is being levied in the name of protecting a particular religious belief, which goes against the secular spirit of the Indian Constitution.

He reminded that the Constitution ensures:

• Article 14 – Equality before law for all.

• Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination based on religion.

• Article 27 – No citizen shall be compelled to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any religion.

The Sikh thinker clearly stated that whether it is Jaziya or Cow Cess, both violate the principles of freedom of choice and equality. Hence, the Punjab Government must immediately repeal any religious or sect-based tax.