Controversy Surrounds Installation of New Jathedar Amid Absence of Key Sikh Leaders
The traditional installation ceremony of the newly appointed Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh, was marked by controversy due to procedural deviations and the conspicuous absence of key Sikh figures.
As per Sikh tradition, the head granthi of the Golden Temple is responsible for presenting the "dastar" (turban) to the newly appointed Jathedar. If the head granthi is unavailable, he must appoint another granthi from the Golden Temple to perform the ritual. However, both Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh, who were removed as Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, respectively, but still hold positions as head granthi and granthi at the Golden Temple, were absent from the ceremony. Additionally, no representatives from major Sikh organizations attended.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had announced the schedule for the installation ceremony at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, but the ceremony at Akal Takht was conducted in the evening without prior announcement, leading to criticism. At Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the event was carried out earlier than planned due to concerns that Nihang and Damdami Taksal organizations might attempt to disrupt the proceedings. Originally set for 10 AM, the ceremony was conducted at approximately 2:30 AM.
During the event at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the head granthi, Giani Joginder Singh, led an "ardas" (prayer), followed by the Panj Pyaras presenting the "dastar" to Giani Kuldeep Singh, marking his formal assumption of charge. However, some Sikh scholars pointed out a significant lapse—the ceremony took place before the "parkash" (installation) of the Guru Granth Sahib saroop, which typically happens around 4:15 AM. The SGPC, however, maintained that the event was conducted in the presence of the "saroop."
Later in the evening, Giani Kuldeep Singh visited the Golden Temple to pay obeisance before heading to Akal Takht. There, the Panj Pyaras performed ardas and presented him with the "dastar," formally installing him as the Jathedar of Akal Takht.
Reacting to the developments, former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh released a video statement criticizing the SGPC for violating Sikh traditions and "maryada" (code of conduct). He remarked that for the first time in history, a Takht Jathedar assumed charge without the presence of the head granthis of the Golden Temple and Akal Takht.
Giani Harpreet Singh himself was removed as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib by the SGPC on February 10, with allegations of "moral turpitude" against him. On March 7, the SGPC appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and simultaneously designated him as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht after terminating the services of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh.
In his address, Giani Kuldeep Singh urged the Sikh community to remain united. Regarding the edicts issued by the five high priests on December 2, he affirmed that "hukamnamas" issued from Akal Takht remain "unalterable."
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