Latest news with #AkalTakhtSahib
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Avoid interfering in other Takhts' affairs, SGPC House urges Akal Takht
In the wake of the recent standoff between the clergy of Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) general house on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Akal Takht jathedar, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, to refrain from intervening in the internal matters of other Takhts without consultation. The jathedars of the five Takhts were also urged to ensure that panthic traditions are not overlooked while making any decision. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami addressing mediapersons in Amritsar. The resolution, tabled by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, was adopted during a special session of the SGPC's general house — often referred to as the Sikh parliament — held at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, its headquarters within the Golden Temple complex. The gathering, which was attended by nearly 100 members, discussed the dignity and reverence of the Takhts and unanimously passed the resolution urging the jathedars to uphold the traditional honour, authority and spiritual significance of these highest Sikh institutions. The resolution reads, '…No interference should occur in local matters of the other Takhts without consultation. If such matters arise, decisions should only be made after thorough discussion involving the respective Takht's jathedar. In the absence of consensus, no hasty decisions should be taken. Except in urgent situations, meetings of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) should be announced a few days in advance (at Akal Takht). If a jathedar from a Takht is unable to attend, a Singh Sahib from Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) may be included as per the resolution passed by Akal Takht Sahib on November 19, 2003.' The resolution, presented by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, emphasised that the Takhts are the supreme institutions of the Sikh Panth that provide religious, spiritual, moral and panthic leadership in accordance with Sikh history, Gurbani and Gurmat (Guru's wisdom) traditions. While each Takht has its own historical and regional significance, the resolution stressed that all five Takhts operate under a uniform gurmat maryada (Sikh code of conduct). 'While all five Takhts are important in their own right, the panth collectively recognises the supremacy of the Akal Takht Sahib. Panthic-level decisions are deliberated and finalised by the Panj Singh Sahiban at the Akal Takht Sahib, while the other Takhts may address local issues as per the Sikh protocol,' the resolution read further. The meeting also condemned several developments, including granting parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Three members — executive committee member Jaswant Singh Purain, former president Jagir Kaur and former general secretary Kiranjot Kaur — from the opposition camp blamed political interference for hurting Takht's honour. SGPC chief Dhami was left red-faced when Jagir Kaur lambasted the SAD (Badal camp)-associated ruling camp for removing Takht jathedars 'unceremoniously' and appointing new jathedars in alleged violation of maryada. She questioned the SGPC's role in these developments. In presence of Golden Temple head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh who was also removed as Akal Takht jathedar recently, she said, 'Character assassination was carried out during their (jathedars') removal. One of the removed jathedars, Giani Raghbir Singh, is sitting with us here. Was he not ours? You (SGPC chief) are not using your power. Don't give your pen to somebody else'. Purain said, 'Inquiry of former Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh was the prerogative of Akal Takht, but it was conducted by SGPC members associated with a political party. Now, deciding about granting a nod to the Akal Takht panel to organise a meeting to elect SAD president at Teja Singh Samundri Hall is the prerogative of the SGPC, but it is writing to the Akal Takht to decide about it. It is ridiculous.' Akal Takht acting jathedar and Takht Kesgarh Sahib jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula skipped the meeting to evade any kind of opposition.
India Today
25-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dance at Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom anniversary event sparks row
A major controversy has erupted over an event in Srinagar commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, where attendees were seen dancing. The event, organised by the Punjab government's language department on Thursday, has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC has called it a "religious misconduct" and demanded a public apology from the Punjab government, stating that such a solemn occasion was disrespected. The committee has urged the Akal Takht Sahib to take action. Singer Bir Singh, who performed at the event, has since apologised, claiming he was not aware of the event's context as he had just returned from Australia. The SGPC stated that "these are not the songs that to be sung or to be performed or Bhangra to be worshipped there."
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
State-level nagar kirtans must have permission from Sri Akal Takht Sahib: HSGMC chief Jhinda
President of HSGMC, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, has urged that prior approval must be sought from Akal Takht Sahib before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan. KURUKSHETRA: President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), Jagdish Singh Jhinda, has urged that prior approval must be sought from Akal Takht Sahib before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan (Sikh religious procession). He emphasized that this measure is necessary to preserve Sikh traditions and to prevent the misuse of religious sentiments and resources for personal or political gains. Speaking to the media at the HSGMC's headquarters in Kurukshetra, Jhinda expressed deep concern over the growing trend of organizing separate and unauthorized nagar kirtans under the pretext of celebrating and observing Sikh religious events. 'The Sikh Panth has always maintained a strong tradition of holding nagar kirtans on historical occasions, but today these are being manipulated for economic and political benefits,' he said. 'This is not only disrespectful but also a misuse of the Guru's wealth and the sentiments of the Sikh Sangat.' To address this, Jhinda said he has sent an official letter to Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo In the letter, they have appealed for a special joint meeting of key Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and other Sikh intellectuals and institutions. The goal of the meeting would be to hold a serious deliberation on the matter and then issue clear directives under the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Jhinda further stated that the letter requests Akal Takht Sahib to issue a Panthic directive requiring all Sikh management bodies and institutions to seek prior permission before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan. Moreover, he recommended that only one official Nagar Kirtan should be held at the state level for major events such as Gurpurbs or martyrdom anniversaries, where the entire Sikh community comes together under a single Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), in the spirit of 'One Panth, One Granth. ' No parallel nagar kirtan should be allowed by any other group. He concluded by stating that such a directive from Akal Takht Sahib would uphold Guru Maryada (discipline), Panthic unity, and mutual respect and would prevent the exploitation of Sikh resources and emotions for personal motives.
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Takht Patna Sahib declares Sukhbir Badal ‘Tankhayia' for defying summons
The five Singh Sahibs or head priests of the Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five seats of temporal authority of Sikhism, on Saturday declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal a 'Tankhayia'—guilty of violating Sikh religious conduct—for allegedly ignoring its summons and undermining its authority. In August last year, the Akal Takht Sahib had passed a similar verdict against the former Punjab deputy chief minister. 'This action has been taken in view of the events that began on May 21, 2025, when unauthorised and unconstitutional interference was carried out by the Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, challenging the established norms, constitution, and authority of Takht Patna Sahib,' Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh said, announcing the decision. 'Sukhbir Badal was involved in influencing and interfering with the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib, particularly during a series of controversial decisions and actions surrounding the status of ex-Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar. Badal was given two opportunities to appear and present his position, but he failed to do so,' Baldev Singh said. 'Even after an extension of 20 days—reportedly granted at the request of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami—Badal did not comply,' he added. 'By repeatedly ignoring the summons and undermining the authority of Takht Patna Sahib, Sukhbir Singh Badal has violated the religious code. As a result, he is hereby declared Tankhayia,' Baldev Singh said. In August 2024, the Akal Takht Sahib had passed a similar verdict against Badal. Then Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had said that Badal had harmed Sikh interests through decisions taken during his 2007–2017 tenure as deputy chief minister. 'Until he seeks forgiveness before Guru Granth Sahib in humility, the Tankhayia status shall remain,' the Singh Sahibs had said. In December 2024, the Akal Takht hosted a gathering of the five Singh Sahibs to revisit Badal's previous 'tankhah', the punishment for violating the Sikh religious code. At that time, he reportedly admitted to 'all mistakes' made during his government and was assigned religious punishment, which included performing various sevas (voluntary services) at the Takhts, such as guarding the gates, washing utensils, and listening to kirtan (devotional singing). The present dispute stems from a controversial May 21 decision by the Punjab-based Takhts—Akal Takht, Takht Damdama Sahib, and Takht Keshgarh Sahib—to lift the excommunication of Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar and simultaneously impose sanctions on the current Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and priest Gurdial Singh. In response, Takht Patna Sahib retaliated by declaring both Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (acting Jathedar of Akal Takht) and Giani Tek Singh Dhanaula (Takht Damdama Sahib) as 'Tankhayia'. The Takht also summoned Sukhbir Singh Badal, alleging that he played a role in orchestrating the interventions against Patna Sahib's authority. With Badal's continued absence, Saturday's announcement marks a formal escalation in the clash between Sikh religious authorities and political figures, underscoring ongoing tensions between various Takhts and the political leadership of SAD.
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Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Business Standard
'Nothing wrong has happened': Akal Takht head granthi on influencer killing
Giani Malkit Singh, head granthi of the Akal Takht Sahib, on Monday sparked outrage by defending the recent killing of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as 'Kamal Kaur Bhabhi'. Singh described the act as 'appropriate', accusing the influencer of promoting obscenity. 'We should not listen to vulgar songs... This kind of treatment should be meted out to those who indulge in spreading vulgarity and defaming Sikh community. Nothing wrong has happened,' he told journalists. #WATCH | Amritsar | On the murder of social media influencer, Kanchan Kumari, Akal Takht Sahib's Head Granthi, Giani Malkit Singh says, "...Such a thing should happen with people who defame the Sikh religion; Nothing wrong has happened..." — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2025 In the Sikh religious hierarchy, the head granthi holds the second-most important position after the jathedar. While the jathedar addresses broader issues affecting the community, the head granthi is responsible for upholding the 'maryada' (code of conduct) and managing rituals and ceremonies at the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism. Details of the murder and investigation Kanchan Kumari's body was discovered on June 11 inside a car parked at Adesh University in Bathinda. Police said she had been strangled. The deceased was a resident of Lachman Colony in Ludhiana. Two individuals — Jaspreet Singh and Nimratit Singh — have been arrested in connection with the case. The prime accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, is believed to have fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bathinda Superintendent of Police Amneet Kondal said on Sunday that a lookout circular had been issued against Mehron, who hails from Moga. The 30-year-old is a self-proclaimed Sikh radical and heads an organisation called 'Qaum De Rakhe'. Mehron has previously issued threats to at least two other women social media influencers in Punjab, according to the police. Authorities have since taken steps to block some of his social media accounts. Accused posts video claiming responsibility Following the murder, a video emerged online in which Mehron claimed that Kumari was killed due to her 'vulgar content' on social media. He acknowledged the arrest of two of his associates and issued a stern warning to other influencers sharing 'objectionable content'. In the video, he also indirectly threatened another content creator, saying, 'It is not necessary that a body will be found every time,' referencing how Kumari's body was discovered in her car. Amid the threats, Amritsar-based influencer Deepika Luthra has been placed under police protection. Luthra reportedly received similar threats from Mehron and his associates, prompting authorities to ensure her safety.
