Stage set for Bhai Ranjit Singh's sack
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, March 19 — Paving the way for the dismissal of Bhai Ranjit Singh, suspended Jathedar of Akal Takht, the first meeting of the newly elected SGPC executive today endorsed all decisions taken by the February 10 meeting of the executive which appointed Giani Puran Singh acting Jathedar in place of Bhai Ranjit Singh.

The meeting was presided over by the SGPC president, Bibi Jagir Kaur.

The meeting also cancelled the general house meeting summoned by the former SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, here on March 22.

Ten of 15 executive members had on February 10 suspended Bhai Ranjit Singh. He was "directed" to explain his position within 30 days. In case of non-compliance of the directive, the executive had threatened to dismiss him.

However, the deadline for replying to the show cause notice served on the suspended Jathedar ended on March 11 with Bhai Ranjit Singh refusing to explain his position. He maintained that the executive had no locus standi to seek his explanation.

However, Bibi Jagir Kaur has given clear indications that Bhai Ranjit Singh would be dismissed shortly. Certain senior members of the executive had suggested to the new SGPC chief not to dismiss Bhai Ranjit Singh at the first meeting and give him some more time to explain his position.

With the endorsement of the decisions of the February 10 meeting, the new executive also okayed the constitution of a three-member committee, headed by Mr Balbir Singh Pannu, to probe charges against Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh, jathedars of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, respectively.