Amritsar, March 30 — Facing criticism over the recent removal of three Takht Jathedars, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday sought suggestions from the Panth to formulate service rules for the Akal Takht Jathedar.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced an email address (info@sgpc.net) and WhatsApp number (7710136200) for submitting suggestions by April 20.
He urged Panthic organisations, including Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh dals, global Sikh bodies, Singh sabhas, diwans, societies, and scholars, to share their views on the qualifications, appointment process, responsibilities, jurisdiction, and retirement terms of the Akal Takht Jathedar.
“The Sikh community has long demanded formal service rules for the Akal Takht Jathedar, given the post’s significance,” Dhami said, adding that the SGPC general session recently passed a resolution granting in-principle approval to frame such policies.
The move comes amid backlash over the SGPC’s recent dismissal of Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh.
Notably, the committee is only seeking suggestions for the Akal Takht Jathedar, the highest among the five Takhts.
The controversy follows the trio’s role in pronouncing ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) on December 2, 2024, against SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and several Akali ministers and core committee members from the party’s 2007-2017 tenure.
