SGPC reinstates priest who denied ‘siropa’ to Badal 

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 12

Balbir Singh, former ‘ardasia’ of the Golden Temple, was reinstated by the newly constituted SGPC body led by Kirpal Singh Badungar. However, Badungar refrained from commenting over former SGPC body’s decision of removing Balbir Singh.

Balbir Singh was in news due to his rebellious attitude against the state government for its failure to curb the instances of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib.

On-duty Balbir Singh had then refused the traditional "siropa" (robe of honour) to Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal during the latter’s visit on June 3. The SGPC had transferred him to Machhiwara, but he never joined his new assignment. He had been regularly visiting the Golden Temple, but as a devotee.

With a middle-class background, Balbir has a liability of repaying a home loan of Rs 13 lakh. He was concerned about payment of EMIs (Rs 20,000) as he has not been getting salary since June.