The Punjab Assembly witnessed a heated discussion on Friday over the removal of three Jathedars (heads of clergy) by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), with both ruling and opposition Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) uniting to condemn the decision.
Lawmakers expressed strong dissatisfaction, emphasising that the move had deeply hurt the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide. During the Zero Hour on the concluding day of the budget session, Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains raised the issue, calling it a matter of serious concern.
He demanded an in-depth discussion on the circumstances leading to the dismissal of the Jathedars and the potential implications for Sikh unity.
SGPC’s justification for removal
On March 7, the SGPC took the unprecedented step of removing Giani Raghbir Singh from his position as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism located in Amritsar.
The committee justified its decision by citing his perceived inadequacy in providing effective leadership to the Sikh community (Panth). The SGPC also argued that his inconsistent approach had weakened Sikh unity.
Simultaneously, Giani Sultan Singh was relieved from his duties as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district. Earlier, in February, Giani Harpreet Singh had been dismissed as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district.
The affected Takhts are three of the five prominent seats of Sikh authority, with Akal Takht holding the most significant influence in Sikh religious affairs.
Also Read: Giani Kuldeep Singh takes charge as Takht Jathedar amid row
SAD's response and allegations of political influence
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, while participating in the discussion, strongly condemned the removal of the Jathedars. He asserted that every Sikh worldwide respects and adheres to the edicts of the Akal Takht.
He pointed out that the three dismissed Jathedars had jointly issued an edict on December 2, 2023, which addressed key issues concerning the Sikh community and the SAD leadership.
This edict imposed religious punishment on then-SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal and other party leaders for past governance lapses between 2007 and 2017. Additionally, the Akal Takht mandated the formation of a seven-member committee to oversee a membership drive and conduct elections for the party's leadership within six months.
Ayali accused the SAD leadership of deliberately ignoring the directive. He stated that the party neither accepted the edict nor recognized the committee formed by the Akal Takht. He also emphasised that, as a member of the Akal Takht-appointed committee, he was strongly opposed to the removal of the Jathedars.
Also Read: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj assumes charge at Takht Kesgarh
Call for Safeguarding Sikh Religious Institutions
Ayali further urged for the development of a robust framework, in consultation with Sikh organizations, to ensure that religious institutions remain free from undue interference and political influence.
He stressed the importance of preserving the sanctity and authority of Sikh religious bodies to prevent future controversies. The controversy deepened in January when the SAD working committee formed its own panel to oversee the membership drive, drawing criticism from dissident Akali leaders.
They accused the party of violating the Akal Takht’s December 2 edict by bypassing the committee appointed by the Sikh clergy.
The removal of the three Jathedars has ignited a significant debate within the Sikh community and political circles, raising concerns about the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions.
The Punjab Assembly’s discussion reflects broader anxieties regarding the politicisation of Sikh leadership and the implications of such actions on the unity of the Sikh Panth. As the situation unfolds, further developments and responses from religious and political stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the future course of action.
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