Chandigarh, July 2 –The Global Sikh Council (GSC) has urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to reconstitute its newly formed 34-member advisory panel tasked with drafting service rules for the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, citing concerns over adherence to the Sikh Rehat Maryada (SRM) and lack of global representation.
In a letter addressed to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, GSC President Lady Singh Kanwaljit Kaur called the current composition of the committee “deeply problematic,” stating that several members are “known to be associated with practices and institutions that openly defy core Sikh values and the Rehat Maryada.”
“Appointing individuals who themselves do not fully abide by the SRM raises grave concerns about the sanctity, legitimacy and direction of this entire initiative,” the letter read.
While the GSC welcomed the SGPC’s move to formalize the qualifications, responsibilities, and tenure for the highest temporal seat of the Sikh faith, it underscored that the process must be grounded in both Gurmat traditions and Panthic consensus.
Earlier, Dhami had publicly assured that the principles of SRM and the ethos of “one role, one person” would form the basis of the new framework for the Jathedar’s appointment. However, the GSC questioned the credibility of such claims in light of the current committee members’ affiliations.
The Council also raised concerns about the complete absence of scholars and representatives from the global Sikh diaspora. “The exclusion of international voices from this crucial committee not only distances a vital segment of the Khalsa Panth but also undermines the very spirit of collective decision-making,” the statement added.
The GSC demanded that all members of the advisory body be required to sign an undertaking affirming their full compliance with the SRM and allegiance to the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
“It is imperative for SGPC to uphold its historical and religious duty with complete transparency and Panthic integrity,” Kanwaljit Kaur said. “This moment calls for a broader, inclusive consultative process that reflects the aspirations of Sikhs across the world.”
The Council reiterated its commitment to support the SGPC in shaping this framework—provided that the process remains rooted in Gurmat and is representative of the entire Sikh Qaum.
“This is not just about administrative rules,” the GSC president concluded. “It’s about reaffirming the moral authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and uniting the Panth around its timeless principles.”
Read more: SGPC forms 34-member panel on Akal Takht Jathedar’s service rules
