AMRITSAR: The five Sikh high priests on Friday issued a strong warning to the Punjab government, accusing it of direct and indirect interference in the internal religious affairs of the Sikh Panth, particularly in matters related to the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
A meeting of the five Singh Sahibs was held at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib under the leadership of Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. The meeting was attended by Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh, Chief Granthi of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Juginder Singh, and Granthis of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Parvinderpal Singh and Giani Kewal Singh.
The Singh Sahibs deliberated at length on the sensitive issue of 328 sacred saroops (holy forms) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, films on Sikh themes and the conduct of Anand Karaj ceremonies at non-Gurdwara venues.
In a formal order, the five high priests asserted that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the elected, panthic and constitutional representative body of Sikhs and that, under the Constitution of India, no government has the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of any religion. They objected to the Punjab government justifying legal action on the basis of the Ishar Singh Inquiry Commission report, pointing out that the same report, on page 230, clearly recommends that such religious issues be resolved through Sri Akal Takht Sahib and SGPC institutions rather than through government laws or police action.
The order expressed serious concern over what it described as selective policing. While complaints related to hate propaganda against Sikhs, Sikh principles and institutions—submitted by the SGPC and the management of Sri Harmandir Sahib—have allegedly seen no action, even after more than 25 cases, the police act swiftly in other matters. The Singh Sahibs cited fake SGPC social media accounts spreading hatred, anti-Sikh YouTube channels, and specific complaints involving individuals, stating that no effective action has been taken so far.
Acting Jathedar Gargajj questioned why cases such as the desecration incident at Sri Darbar Sahib, complaints against anti-Sikh content creators and other sensitive matters remain unresolved.
Referring to page 231 of the Ishar Singh report, the order reminded political parties that exploiting issues related to Sikh shrines for political gain is against Gurmat and that any party doing so would be answerable to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and deemed a traitor to the Panth.
The five Singh Sahibs warned the current Punjab government and the ruling party to immediately stop interfering in Sikh religious matters, failing which action would be taken in accordance with Panthic traditions.