SGPC to Frame New Policy for Appointment and Tenure of Takht Jathedars Amid Growing Dissent
In response to mounting discontent over the recent removal of Takht Jathedars, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced plans to establish a formal policy governing the qualifications, appointment procedures, tenure, jurisdiction, and respectful relieving of Takht Jathedars.
One of the key principles to be implemented is “one person, one position,” signaling an end to the practice of assigning ‘officiating’ or ‘additional’ charges to Jathedars. This would ensure that no individual holds multiple religious positions simultaneously, a move seen as an effort to maintain sanctity and clarity in leadership roles.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami also indicated that the Committee is considering the appointment of a permanent Jathedar for the Akal Takht. Currently, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj—recently named Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib—has been given the additional responsibility of the Akal Takht following the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh. Despite this, Giani Raghbir Singh continues to serve as the head granthi of the Golden Temple.
The SGPC's recent dismissal of three Jathedars—Giani Raghbir Singh (Akal Takht), Giani Sultan Singh (Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib), and Giani Harpreet Singh (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib)—has sparked criticism from various Sikh quarters. All three were part of the high priests’ panel that issued tankhah (religious punishment) on December 2 to Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and others for actions deemed harmful to Panthic interests during their political tenure from 2007 to 2017.
According to sources, the SGPC is in the process of developing a comprehensive framework for appointing the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, which will serve as a model for other Takhts.
Dhami emphasized that any future decisions regarding appointments or removals of Jathedars will be made in consultation with leading Sikh organizations, sects (sampradayas), and intellectuals to ensure transparency and community consensus.
“A high-level committee will soon be formed to define the rules and qualifications for the Akal Takht Jathedar’s post,” Dhami stated. “Under this policy, a new regular appointment will be made in consultation with Panthic bodies.”
He further assured that retirements will be handled with dignity and that efforts are underway to honour the recently relieved Jathedars for their contributions. “We want to ensure that those who have served are recognised for their dedication,” Dhami added.
A resolution outlining the new policy will be introduced in the SGPC’s upcoming budget session. Dhami reiterated the importance of unity in the Sikh community, warning that divisiveness could play into the hands of adversarial forces attempting to weaken Sikh institutions.
“Anti-Sikh elements are always looking for opportunities to erode our strength. If we don’t remain united, we risk enabling their agenda,” he cautioned.
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