Key Decisions taken in meeting of Five Sikh High priests at Akal Takht
Amritsar: An important assembly of the Five Singh Sahiban took place today at the Secretariat of Akal Takht Sahib under the leadership of officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj.
Present in the meeting included Giani Rajdeep Singh (Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib), Baba Tek Singh (Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib), Giani Joginder Singh (Head Granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib), and Giani Gurbakhshish Singh (Granthi of Sri Akal Takht Sahib). During this gathering, significant matters concerning the Sikh Panth were deliberated, and the various resolutions were passed today.
A renowned Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale here today appeared before the Five Sikh high priests to express regret and seek forgiveness for past controversial statements regarding Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom). His plea was accepted, and the earlier restriction on his religious preaching was officially lifted. He has been instructed to strictly adhere to Akal Takht Sahib-approved Sikh Rehat Maryada, traditions, and historical Sakshis that foster unity and reverence for Sikh Gurus. He is forbidden from making derogatory comments against Sikh institutions or sacred Sarovars. If any future issues arise reaching Sikh preaching, he may take up the matter directly to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
In an another decision, the committee managing Gurdwara Sahib Baba Buddha in Hamilton, Canada, was harassing the widow of Sikh martyr Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Bibi Parminderpal Kaur, and her family. This committee’s president Sant Singh has been asked to appear before Akal Takht Sahib to present his side. Two patit (with shorn hairs)office-bearers—treasurer Kulwinder Singh Multani and secretary Jas Sohal—have been asked to submit their clarification in writing. Until they present their side, their services stand suspended. The committee is ordered to ensure the safety, residence, and sewa (job) and relevant honorarium for Parminderpal Kaur at the Gurdwara premises. The Sikh community in Ontario is ordered to ensure these directives are implemented. It has been passed that the community must always take care of the families of martyrs and they shall be fully supported.
In the case of non-Compliance by Takht Sri Patna Sahib Committee, the management of Takht Harmandar Patna Sahib, failed to comply with prior orders of Akal Takht Sahib regarding the assessment of Granthi Bhai Baldev Singh’s Gurbani recitation and the immediate transfer of Granthi Bhai Gurdial Singh. Due to this non-compliance, both individuals are barred from performing Panthic (religious) duties. Takht Patna Sahib committee leadership has been ordered to present themselves before Akal Takht Sahib immediately for explanation.
In case of reinstatement of a Sikh preacher Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar an internal high-level investigation cleared Gauhar of all allegations against him. Based on the findings of the fact-finding committee formed by the former president of the Takht Patna Sahib Committee, Avtar Singh Hit, the Five Singh Sahiban decided to lift the ban on his religious services with immediate effect. The report of probe panel on Giani Gauhar was also released publicly.
However, the repentance case of Harvinder Singh Sarna the former DSGMC President who appeared before the Five Singh Sahiban and expressed remorse for his inappropriate remarks about Sikh scholars and clergy. His repentance was accepted with the condition that he perform daily recitations of two Japji Sahib and two Chaupai Sahib paths for 11 days and offer Karah Prasad worth Rs 501 at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi upon completion of the sewa.
In the case of Giani Gurmukh Singh, the former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, who had sought forgiveness for his role in a controversial pardon to Dera Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim. The Singh Sahiban accepted his apology on the condition that he perform daily sewa (voluntary service) of dishwashing at Sri Guru Ramdas Langar and shoe house for one hour each, along with designated Gurbani recitations for 11 days. He must also offer Karah Prasad worth Rs 1,100 at Akal Takht Sahib.
On the basis of investigation into Balbir Singh, an employee of Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib, found him guilty of immoral conduct with a female employee within the Gurdwara premises. Considering the severity of the act, the Singh Sahiban declared that he has violated the sanctity and decorum of the Gurdwara besides breaching Sikh code of conduct and is no longer eligible to hold any service in a Sikh institution.
These decisions reflect the commitment of the Akal Takht Sahib to upholding Sikh tenets, justice, Panthic unity, and the sanctity of religious institutions worldwide, said Jatehdar Akal Takht.
