Giani Harpreet Singh Removed as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib; Giani Jagtar Singh Appointed as Acting Jathedar

Amritsar (Punjab), February 10, 2025: In a significant shift within the Sikh religious leadership, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has officially removed Giani Harpreet Singh from his position as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. The decision, taken by the SGPC’s In-charge Committee, which oversees the administration of Sikh religious institutions, has led to the appointment of Giani Jagtar Singh as the acting Jathedar with immediate effect.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, located in Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, is one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism, making the position of Jathedar highly influential within the Sikh community. While the SGPC has not provided specific reasons for Giani Harpreet Singh’s removal, such decisions are often influenced by a combination of administrative, religious, and political factors. The SGPC, often referred to as the “parliament of the Sikh community,” holds the authority to appoint or dismiss Jathedars as part of its mandate to manage Sikh religious affairs globally.

The appointment of Giani Jagtar Singh as the acting Jathedar suggests that the SGPC may take further time to deliberate on a permanent replacement. The organization is expected to release an official statement soon, providing more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the leadership change.

This development is likely to trigger discussions within Sikh religious and political circles, as Takht Jathedars play a crucial role in guiding the community on religious matters, making decisions on key issues, and influencing Sikh affairs both in India and abroad.