Takht Patna Sahib panel demands removal of jathedars, backs edict
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Amritsar: The Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee has demanded the removal of Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, backing the "hukamnama" (edict) issued by the "Panj Pyare".
"We honour the supremacy of the Akal Takht and follow its maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct), but our constitution was framed in 1861. Accordingly, we will not take directions from the Akal Takht, especially from the Sikh high priests who themselves were appointed in violation of the Akal Takht maryada. Instead, we demand their removal," said Harpal Singh Johal, spokesperson, Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee on Thursday.
The toughening of the stance comes after the Sikh high priests on Wednesday summoned Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Gurdial Singh, prompting the Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib to declare Giani Gargaj and Baba Tek Singh "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct).
At the same time, the Sikh high priests of Punjab-based Takhts on Thursday defended their decisions.
"Action was taken on issues pending for a long time as per records of the secretariat," said a release issued by the Akal Takht secretariat.
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It added that the five Sikh high priests discussed and acted upon the long-pending matter related to Takht Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib.
The release quoted a meeting of five Sikh high priests held on Dec 6, 2022, giving directions to Bhai Baldev Singh and transfer of Bhai Gurdial Singh, which was not complied with.
The release also maintained that the former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar, who was excommunicated, once again submitted a petition requesting resolution of his case.
"The five Sikh high priests have taken action on the long-pending matter of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, as it is imperative to resolve petitions submitted to the Akal Takht in accordance with Panthic traditions," said the release.
It stated that the Takht Patna Sahib management committee should not create a situation of conflict among the Takhts but act with sincerity and unity in accordance with Panthic traditions and principles and fully comply with the orders of Akal Takht.
According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, the Akal Takht is the highest among the five Takhts, and its decisions and orders are binding on all Takhts and the entire Sikh community.
"No group of Panj Pyare from any Takht has the authority to question the supremacy of Akal Takht," said the release.
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SGPC chief calls for dialogue
Stating that the Sikh Takhts hold immense historical and doctrinal significance within the Panth, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "It is a collective responsibility of the community to uphold their dignity and respect.
Following the decisions made by the Sikh high priests from the Akal Takht, the subsequent order issued by the Panj Pyare from Takht Patna Sahib has not sent a positive message to the community.
" Dhami emphasised that matters concerning Panthic institutions and issues must be dealt with seriousness and maturity, suggesting mutual dialogue as the best path forward. He said that the atmosphere of internal conflict was creating confusion within the community.
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Now that Baldev Singh father of 1986 Nakodar Firing victim Ravinder Singh has come in public domain to condemn Speaker @SpeakerSandhwan & Fm @HarpalCheemaMLA for 'blocking his efforts to bring culprits to justice during 3.5 years of @AamAadmiParty rule' i dare these fake… — Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) July 17, 2025 Radicals seek revenge The Nakodar episode made news in September last when a terror module run by Pakistan-based gangster-turned-militant Harvinder Singh Rinda allegedly carried out a low-intensity blast at a residential house in Sector 10, Chandigarh. According to the police, retired SSP Jaskirat Singh Chahal, who lived in the house till 2023, was the likely target. For the past several years. Chahal, along with his family, lived there on the first floor as tenants till 2023 before shifting to Jalandhar. The retired officer has been on the hit list of Sikh militants since 1986 when he was the Nakodar station house officer at the time of the firing. Radical Sikh outfits allege that while three protesters were killed on the spot, one survived the initial firing, but Chahal killed him a day later. Chahal had security cover till October 2017 when the Punjab government withdrew his security. He challenged the orders in the HC on the grounds of being a decorated police officer. He said he got the police medal for gallantry in November 1987 after apprehending militant Gurminder Singh alias Nutty, who tried to escape after firing at a police party with the service rifle of a head constable, killing two constables. Relating his story of the Nakodar killings, Chahal told the court that he played a vital role in preventing communal riots in Nakodar in February 1986. However, in 2022, the HC upheld the government's decision on the grounds that one cannot claim personal security cover as a matter of right for perpetuity. The police intelligence wing also reported no dangers to the petitioner's life, it added. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Punjab is new Kingdom of Kejriwal as CM Mann plays host but Delhi AAP takes over power corridors
