New Delhi, Apr 5 (IANS): Twenty members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) have been accused of violating religious norms by colouring their beards, accepting Naamdhari Guru as their Guru. One member is accused of celebrating Vishwakarma day in Gurudwara Sahib.

DSGMC spokesperson Parminder Pal Singh said a complaint has been filed against the 20 members by a social activist, Daljeet Singh Khalsa.

"The Minority Commission sent a notice to the accused members and sought their reply by March 15, but most members did not respond, hence they have been told to reply by April 11," Parminder Pal Singh told IANS.

"Of the 20, 16 are accused of taking drugs and colouring their beards, while three are being blamed for accepting Naamdhari Guru and one for celebrated Vishwakarma worship in Gurudwara Sahib," Singh added.

"Three members are ready for the dope and lab test. We are awaiting replies from other 13 members," he said.

To become a Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, it is mandatory to be a Amritdhari Sikh. The baptized Sikhs are not allowed to colour their beards and consume alcohol.

The members - Harjit Singh GK, Vikram Singh Rohini and Omkar Singh Raja - have submitted their explanation to the committee. In their reply, these members have denied the allegations and expressed their willingness to undergo a lab test to prove their innocence.