Sikhs for Justice Lobbied to strip Lord Ranger of CBE

The Sikhs for Justice and extremist Sikh lobby in UK have allegedly influenced the British government's unprecedented decision to strip Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) awards extended to two prominent figures from the British-Indian community - Tory leader and House of Lords member Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK managing trustee Anil Bhanot, respectively.

Ranger and Bhanot have had their honours revoked by King Charles following the decision of UK's Forfeiture Committee, an ad hoc committee convened under the UK Cabinet office which considers cases referred to the PM where an individual's actions subsequent to their being awarded a British Honour raises the question of whether they should be allowed to continue to be a holder. Both described it as an attack on free speech.

Reacting to the development, Ranger in a statement affirmed, "I lost my CBE for standing up against Khalistanis who wish to break up India and the BBC for producing a two-part documentary with the help of anti-Prime Minister Modi guests to imply that the PM was involved in the Gujarat riots some 20 years after the riots and for which PM Modi was exonerated by the highest court in India."


SFJ, banned in India and involved in hate speeches inciting violence, has influence in Canadian politics through the Liberal Party, has also gained influence in UK and its political circles, experts on Sikh extremism alleged. The lobby representing Sikh extremists is gaining influence in British political circles, according to one of experts quoted above. Bhanot may have been targeted by UK-based religious conservative lobbies including those from Bangladesh.

Ranger was recognized for his outstanding contributions to business and community cohesion, receiving a CBE in 2016. Three years later in 2019, Ranger's achievements were further acknowledged when he was appointed a peer in Theresa May's resignation honours. Bhanot, an accountant, runs a community centre in Leicester.

In his statement, Ranger expressed hope that his supporters would rally behind him. "If you think I have been wronged, then please express your feelings to the Forfeiture Committee," he urged.