In a strong rebuttal, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, has publicly condemned what he terms as unwarranted interference by the Punjab government in the autonomous functioning of the Sikh religious body. Speaking from the SGPC's sub-office in Chandigarh, Dhami asserted the committee's exclusive authority under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 to manage its internal affairs, including disciplinary actions against employees.
SGPC Asserts Legal Autonomy
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, identifying himself as the chief sewadar of the Sikh institution, stated that his fundamental duty is to protect its traditions and statutory powers. He emphasized that the Punjab government will not be allowed to indulge in political interference under any circumstances. Dhami pointed to Section 142 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, which establishes a Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commissioner as a complete and independent mechanism to adjudicate matters related to the SGPC, including cases of administrative negligence by staff.
He accused the state government of undermining both the letter and the spirit of this century-old Act by bypassing this established legal framework. Dhami highlighted a contradiction in the government's actions, noting that on one hand, it has acknowledged the SGPC's powers by filing affidavits in courts, while on the other, it is registering FIRs and engaging in political maneuvering.
Political Motives and Warning to the Sangat
Dhami referenced the report by Ishar Singh, which stated that justice cannot be expected from the police in such internal matters and explicitly warned against politicization, noting it would violate the edict of the Akal Takht. He countered the ruling party's propaganda that the SGPC is not cooperating, clarifying that the committee had already taken strict action against guilty employees as per Akal Takht's orders, a decision later upheld by the honourable court when challenged by the employees.
Expressing grave concern, Dhami said that in the 105-year history of the SGPC, no government has acted contrary to its own sworn affidavit. He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party government, after previously trying to challenge the Sikh institution in the Vidhan Sabha, is now once again misleading the sangat through political attacks. He cautioned the Sikh community that these actions are a conspiracy to weaken Sikh strength and that any success would mean direct government interference in religious management, which is against the interest of the Panth.
Legal Battle and Hurried Actions
Dhami further questioned the government's intent, pointing out that despite a related case being pending in the honourable high court with the next hearing scheduled for February, and despite the government having already filed an affidavit, it is pushing for hurried action without awaiting the judicial verdict. He urged the sangat to clearly understand this conspiracy, which he believes is aimed at weakening Sikh institutions for narrow political gain.
The SGPC president's firm stance sets the stage for a continued legal and political confrontation over the autonomy of one of Sikhism's most prominent religious bodies.
