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The abrupt removal of three jathedars (head priests) of the Sikhs’ temporal seats by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-led Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) sparked debate on the last day of the Punjab Assembly’s budget session on Friday, with both ruling and the opposition leaders denouncing the move. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains raised the issue during Zero Hour, calling it a matter of global concern for Sikhs and urging a discussion in the House.
“Religion and politics must remain separate. The Akal Takht is supreme for every Sikh, and what happened there under political pressure is deeply concerning,” said Bains. Echoing the same concerns, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali called for setting some rules and procedures for these appointments so that “foundation of these revered institutions doesn’t depend upon one individual” with a clear reference to the Badals.
Notably, on March 7, SGPC removed Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of the Sikhs’ highest temporal seat – Akal Takht, citing his “inconsistent leadership” in uniting the Sikh community. It also dismissed Giani Sultan Singh from Takht Kesgarh Sahib, while Giani Harpreet Singh was earlier removed as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib in February. These takhts hold immense significance as three of Sikhism’s five seats of power.
Removal of Jathedars issue raised in Vidhan Sabha, Calls for Clear Appointment Rules
Saturday, 29 March 2025 | Monika Malik
| Chandigarh
Removal of Jathedars issue raised in Vidhan Sabha, Calls for Clear Appointment Rules
Saturday, 29 March 2025 | Monika Malik | Chandigarh
