Amritsar: Akal Takht Sahib’s acting Jathedar, Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj, on Sunday cautioned the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government against what he described as interference in matters related to the Sikh community, asserting that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is fully capable of handling Sikh religious affairs independently.
The warning came in the wake of the registration of an FIR related to the case of 328 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Addressing the issue, the acting Jathedar said the SGPC has the authority and capability to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against those found guilty, without external intervention.
Emphasising the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions, Gadgaj said decisions concerning Sikh traditions, maryada and religious discipline fall strictly within the jurisdiction of the SGPC. He maintained that the Sikh community has its own established mechanisms to deal with internal issues.
The acting Jathedar also made it clear that animated films depicting Sikh Gurus will not be permitted. He stated that any film or visual portrayal related to Sikh history must receive prior approval from the SGPC, underlining that no compromise would be made on religious sensitivities.
His remarks signal a firm stance by the highest temporal seat of Sikhism on preserving institutional independence and safeguarding Sikh religious traditions from external influence.
