Norms bypassed: SGPC flayed over Jathedar ceremony

Sikh intellectuals and organisations have criticised the SGPC for conducting the “dastarbandi” (initiation ceremony) of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in a “clandestine manner” at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and later at the Akal Takht. The ceremony, held early at 2:30 am, bypassed traditional protocols and excluded key Sikh bodies, sparking outrage among the community.

The Nihang bodies, Damdami Taksal and other Sikh organisations, who had gathered at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by the scheduled time of 10 am, were left disappointed as the SGPC preponed the ceremony to avoid potential disruptions. Baba Balbir Singh of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal had called for Nihang faujan (army) to gather in large numbers at Anandpur Sahib to protest the ceremony and demand the reinstatement of the sacked Jathedars.

The ceremony was conducted without the presence of the Golden Temple’s head granthi, and the “parkash” of Guru Granth Sahib was not initiated at the time, leading to allegations of maryada (Sikh tenets) violations. Giani Gargaj Singh assumed charge in the presence of “panj pyaras” and SGPC officials, but without representation from traditional Sikh bodies. Representatives of Damdami Taksal and other Sikh organisations rejected Giani Gargaj’s appointment, calling it a “clerical programme” of the SGPC that violated Sikh maryada.

The Panthic Talmel Sangathan, an amalgamation of several Sikh organisations, led by former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Kewal Singh, on Monday performed ardas at the Akal Takht to uphold its authority. Giani Kewal Singh condemned the SGPC’s actions, stating, “It was a sheer violation of Sikh maryada, which will never be accepted by the Sikh Sangat. The SGPC acted on its whims in the absence of a clear policy for appointing Takht Jathedars, defining their rights, and establishing service rules.”

Sikh intellectual Prof Anurag Singh criticised the “politicisation and commercialisation” of religion, stating, “In the absence of norms, Jathedars are reduced to mere pawns in the hands of the SGPC. Giani Raghbir Singh was removed because he did not fit into their political agenda.”

Inderbir Singh Nijjar, president of Chief Khalsa Diwan, the oldest Sikh body, said, “The Panthic crisis has deepened with the unceremonious removal of Jathedars and the manner in which Giani Gargaj assumed office. The SGPC’s actions mock Sikh maryada and principles.”