The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday eliminated Giani Raghbir Singh from the put up of Akal Takht Jathedar, stating that his management was “insufficient in guiding the Panth” and that his “inconsistent strategy weakened Panthic unity.”

The SGPC’s govt committee additionally eliminated Giani Sultan Singh from the put up of Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Sikh scholar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj has been appointed as the brand new Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and also will function the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht till a everlasting appointment is made.

The Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, are among the many 5 seats of Sikh temporal authority. This determination comes a month after Giani Harpreet Singh was eliminated as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.

Giani Raghbir Singh will proceed to function the pinnacle granthi of Harmandar Sahib, whereas Giani Sultan Singh will stay a granthi at Harmandar Sahib. Baba Tek Singh, head of Bunga Mastuana, Damdama Sahib, has been appointed because the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.

The selections have been made throughout an govt committee assembly of the SGPC at Teja Singh Samundri Corridor. The committee has not but selected the resignation of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami.

SGPC senior vice chairman Raghujit Singh Virk stated the appointment of a brand new Jathedar of Akal Takht could be made after consultations with Sikh establishments, Jathebandis, and Sampradas. Till then, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj will function officiating Jathedar.

Explaining the choice, Virk stated the Akal Takht represents the doctrine of Miri Piri, established by Guru Hargobind Sahib, and stays central to Sikh governance. He stated Giani Raghbir Singh’s management didn’t handle up to date points successfully.

“There are growing divisions inside Sikh establishments and rising threats to Sikh identification worldwide. The previous Jathedar didn’t take a agency stance on crucial Panthic issues,” Virk was quoted as saying by information company PTI in its report.

His “inconsistent statements and reluctance to deal with severe incidents impacting Sikh values and morality led to disappointment among the many Sikh Sangat,” he stated.

“On this period of globalisation, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib should present clear, unwavering management to safeguard Sikh pursuits. Sadly, Giani Raghbir Singh’s inconsistent strategy has weakened Panthic unity as a substitute of strengthening it. Given these severe shortcomings, the chief committee determined to retire him from the put up of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” stated Virk.

Virk stated the SGPC stays dedicated to managing Sikh establishments, selling Gurbani, preserving Sikh historical past, and addressing up to date challenges.

The SGPC additionally determined to carry its annual funds session on March 28. The funds for 2025-26, overlaying gurdwara administration, the Dharam Prachar Committee, academic establishments, and associated issues, shall be offered for approval.

In the meantime, SGPC member Kulwant Singh Prain stated the agenda for the assembly was not shared with members earlier than the session.