SGPC chief Dhami serves ‘punishment’ for remarks against Bibi Jagir Kaur

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami appeared before the Akal Takht and underwent ‘religious punishment’ for using derogatory words against his predecessor Bibi Jagir Kaur.

Dhami met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh before appearing before the high priests, who asked him to wash utensils at the ‘langar hall’ and clean shoes of devotees at ‘joda ghar’ for an hour each. After compliance, Dhami recited prayers and performed ‘ardas’.

A telephonic conversation had landed Dhami in trouble wherein he was heard using derogatory words against Jagir Kaur. Following this, Dhami had volunteered to approach the Akal Takht to tender an apology and had also apologised to her on December 13.

In response, the Akal Takht had directed Dhami to appear before the ‘Panj Pyaras’ of the Akal Takht.

In an undated audio conversation, a person identifying himself as Gurminder Singh from Kotkapura asked Dhami about the non-compliance of Akal Takht’s December 2 orders on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation as SAD chief which was supposed to be accepted in three days. Dhami tried to explain that the last date for accepting Badal’s resignation was extended and that a decision to that effect had been taken by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.

At this point, the caller mentioned that Jagir Kaur had alleged that Dhami had approached the Akal Takht Jathedar to facilitate the relaxation to the SAD chief. Dhami lost cool on hearing this and allegedly started hurling abuses at Jagir Kaur.

Punjab State Women Commission took suo moto notice of the audio clip and sought explanation from Dhami. He submitted a written explanation before the panel chairperson, Raj Lali Gill, on December 17. The same day, a group of women, including SGPC members Kiranjot Kaur and Paramjit Kaur Landran, had lodged a complaint against Dhami at the Akal Takht seeking stern action and his removal from the post.