In a first, Sikh clergy asks Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains to repair roads as part of religious sentence

Indian Express

06-08-2025

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains Wednesday appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar, the chief centre of religious authority of Sikhism, and was asked to repair roads as a religious sentence after an event in Jammu and Kashmir that was deemed offensive to Sikh sentiments. This marks the first time the Akal Takht has mandated infrastructure development as part of a religious sentence, which typically involves service at gurdwaras.
The Sikh clergy summoned Bains for organising 'entertainment performances', involving dance and music, at a programme held in Srinagar on July 24 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. The Punjab language department organised the event held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar.
At the meeting held at the Akal Takht secretariat, Bains apologised for the Srinagar event, which was seen as a 'deep affront to Sikh sentiments'. The Sikh clergy asked him to immediately visit Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, in Amritsar, to inspect and ensure repairs and cleanliness on the approach roads and nearby streets.
He will also have to visit Gurdwara Kotha Sahib (Patshahi Nauvin) in Amritsar to oversee development works in the surrounding infrastructure. Similarly, he will have to ensure necessary arrangements and road improvements at Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib in Baba Bakala.
Bains will then offer prayers at the martyrdom site of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and proceed to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib, where he will participate in service at the jora ghar (shoe house) for two days. Upon completion, he will make an offering of Rs 1,100 karah parshad and have ardas (a special prayer) performed.
'Sikh devotees from India and abroad submitted written complaints to Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Punjab Cabinet minister Harjot Singh; Jaswant Singh, Director of the Punjab language department, and Punjabi singer Bir Singh. After considering the complaints, the five Singh Sahibaan (religious leaders) concluded that governments should organise seminars, discussions, and lectures on the life and teachings of Guru Sahib, but even these must fully adhere to the Sikh religious code of conduct. It was directed that for such programmes, the Dharam Parchar Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should be
consulted and involved,' said Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
'Religious and Gurmat-based events, including Nagar Kirtans, are the rightful responsibility of Sikh institutions, and the Khalsa Panth is fully capable of conducting them. Therefore, the government should support the SGPC and other Sikh organisations in holding such commemorations at Sri Anandpur Sahib and other historical Sikh sites—similar to the cooperation extended by the Bihar Government during the 350th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji,' added Jathedar Gargaj.
'Sikh institutions, in turn, should also extend due respect to the government and its representatives participating in these programmes. As large numbers of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib and other related gurdwaras during these centenary events, the Punjab government has been urged to repair roads, improve infrastructure, and ensure proper facilities for the convenience of the Sangat,' he said.
He said just as previous Punjab governments had established colleges, hospitals, and universities in the name of the Gurus during past centenary celebrations, the incumbent government should also take similar steps and establish institutions for public welfare as a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur.