SGPC indicts Giani Harpreet Singh on Amritpal’s Police Station Siege – Film Actor Meetings and Deviation from Panthak Maryada
Chandigarh, 12 February 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – A report prepared by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which led to the removal of Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, has raised multiple concerns, including his handling of Amritpal Singh’s Ajnala police station incident, his interactions with film actors, and actions perceived as deviations from Sikh religious protocol (maryada).
The SGPC’s executive committee (EC) dismissed Giani Harpreet Singh on Monday, citing findings of a subcommittee investigation. The report notes his alleged inaction regarding the incident of February 22, 2023, when Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh and his supporters, carrying weapons, entered Ajnala police station with a saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. At the time, Giani Harpreet Singh was serving as Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest Sikh temporal authority. The report suggests that he did not take a decisive stand on the issue, despite widespread concern over the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji being used in a political demonstration.
Concerns Over Conduct and Religious Code
The subcommittee report also highlights concerns over Giani Harpreet Singh’s conduct in several instances. It claims that:
• He halted a kirtan midway at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib to deliver a personal clarification regarding allegations against him, which was deemed inappropriate.
• He refused to appear before the SGPC subcommittee when asked to respond to certain allegations.
• He failed to address the issue of security personnel checking the Palki Sahib during Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s second marriage, an act seen as a breach of Sikh religious decorum.
• His interactions with film actors were considered unbecoming of his position as a Jathedar, as they allegedly compromised the sanctity of the office.
Additionally, the report states that his explanation, given from the rostrum of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, was not in accordance with Sikh maryada (religious code of conduct) and that the Panj Pyaras had raised objections to the manner in which he addressed his personal matters from a religious platform.
Allegations by Former SAD Leader
The report further quotes former Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, who alleged that Giani Harpreet Singh:
• Performed ardas (Sikh prayer) during the Anand Karaj (wedding) of the son of former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is considered a patit (apostate) as per Sikh traditions.
• Attended the engagement ceremony of AAP MP Raghav Chadha with actor Parineeti Chopra, which was viewed as a violation of the dignity of his role.
• Walked to the wedding venue and met film actors, an act that, according to the report, was “inappropriate for the religious stature of a Jathedar.”
Leaked Report and SGPC’s Stand
The SGPC report, which has allegedly been leaked and is circulating in the media, reinforces the argument that the office of the Jathedar must be upheld with the highest level of integrity and adherence to Sikh maryada. The findings indicate that Giani Harpreet Singh’s actions created controversy within Sikh circles and raised concerns about the sanctity of the highest religious posts in the Panth.
While some Sikh scholars and Panthic leaders believe this decision was influenced by political pressures, others argue that a Jathedar must be above personal and political controversies and must maintain the spiritual and moral stature befitting the Sikh tradition.
The removal of Giani Harpreet Singh has sparked debate within the Sikh community, with some questioning the SGPC’s motives and others stressing the need to preserve the sanctity of the Jathedar’s role, ensuring it remains free from political and social controversies.
