Amritsar (National Times): In a significant development within Sikh religious affairs, former Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, has officially withdrawn his petition against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The petition had challenged how he was removed from his position and raised objections over alleged attempts to dismiss him from his current post as Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib.
Giani Raghbir Singh was relieved of his duties as Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib on March 7, 2025. Following his removal, he continued serving as the Head Granthi at the revered Darbar Sahib. However, apprehensions regarding his possible ouster from this post led him to approach the High Court seeking intervention. In his petition, he had requested the court to issue notice to SGPC and sought a formal response from the religious body.
The move stirred a considerable debate within the Sikh Panth, drawing criticism from some quarters for taking the matter to a civil court rather than resolving it through traditional Sikh mechanisms. Renowned Sikh journalist and writer Jagtar Singh strongly objected to the legal route, stating, “Shri Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of authority in Sikhism, and seeking justice from worldly courts undermines its sanctity.”
Jagtar Singh also recalled a precedent from 1979, when then Jathedar Gurdial Singh Ajnoha had rejected a court summons, upholding the supremacy of Akal Takht over civil jurisdiction. He further claimed that Giani Raghbir Singh’s decision to go to court may have stemmed from fear of losing his remaining religious position. “He was already removed as Jathedar, and now under threat of dismissal from the post of Head Granthi, he has turned to the court for protection,” Jagtar alleged.
The withdrawal of the petition, however, has added a fresh layer to the unfolding saga. While Giani Raghbir Singh has not publicly disclosed his reasons, it is widely believed that he may have come under pressure from prominent Sikh leaders, religious institutions, and community members urging him to resolve the matter within the Sikh framework.
This latest turn has reignited debates over the independence of Sikh institutions, the governance of SGPC, and the role of civil judiciary in matters of religious appointments and dismissals.
As the Sikh community closely watches the evolving situation, the spotlight now shifts to SGPC and the future course of action from Shri Akal Takht Sahib. The decision may have a lasting impact on the internal dynamics of Sikh religious governance and could influence how such conflicts are addressed in the future.
For now, the withdrawal of the court case brings temporary closure to a contentious issue — but it leaves behind important questions about authority, dignity, and the path forward for Sikh institutions.
