Sikh Priests Meet: Jathedar Harpreet Singh Unlikely to Attend

by The_unmuteenglish

Amritsar, 25 January 2025: Suspended Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh of Takht Damdama Sahib may not attend the January 28 meeting of the five Sikh high priests, convened by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.

Sources reveal Giani Harpreet Singh has yet to receive an invitation to the gathering, which is expected to address pressing matters, including internal disputes and resistance from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) suspended Giani Harpreet Singh in December amid an ongoing inquiry into allegations tied to a domestic dispute. Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Sri Muktsar Sahib and former spouse of the Jathedar’s sister-in-law, accused him of interfering in his marriage and abusing his influence, claims under review by an SGPC-appointed sub-committee.

“The Akal Takht alone has the authority to investigate accusations against Takht Jathedars. The SGPC’s action amounts to overstepping its jurisdiction,” Giani Raghbir Singh had mentioned earlier, criticizing the Sikh body’s decision to suspend Giani Harpreet Singh.

While the upcoming meeting primarily focuses on the Akal Takht-formed seven-member committee intended to oversee SAD’s membership drive, the absence of Giani Harpreet Singh risks fueling tension between the Akal Takht and the SGPC.

SAD, which began its month-long campaign on January 20, attributed its reluctance to engage with the committee to “legal hurdles.” Observers believe the growing friction could further complicate efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts between key Sikh institutions.

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