Amritsar: Giani Raghbir Singh, the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple and former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, has issued a defiant response to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) following a 72-hour notice served to him. Challenging the apex Sikh body, Giani Raghbir Singh demanded that the committee first address the specific questions he raised regarding institutional corruption or face the public disclosure of all evidence in his possession.
The friction intensified after Giani Raghbir Singh held a press conference in Jalandhar on February 18, where he leveled serious allegations of financial and administrative misconduct within the SGPC. In response, the SGPC executive committee, led by President Harjinder Singh Dhami, issued an ultimatum on February 19, demanding written proof of these claims within three days or facing disciplinary action for “defaming” the institution.
Core Allegations Raised by Giani Raghbir Singh:
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Land Irregularities: He alleged that SGPC-owned lands are being sold arbitrarily and without transparency, suggesting a deep-seated nexus of corruption in property deals.
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Missing Saroops: He demanded a fair and public investigation into the long-standing mystery of 328 missing saroops (scriptures) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
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Misuse of Funds: Allegations were made regarding the siphoning of funds from the sale of “dry rotis” from the community kitchen (langar) and the charging of exorbitant, unofficial fees for religious ceremonies.
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Political Interference: He accused the Badal family of exerting undue pressure on Sikh religious leadership, claiming he was specifically pressured to falsely blame external political entities for internal religious edicts.
A Call for “Panthic” Transparency
Giani Raghbir Singh maintained that his actions are rooted in a sense of duty toward the Sikh community (Sangat) rather than personal interest. He asserted that it is his responsibility to ensure the sanctity of the Golden Temple and the SGPC. “Corruption must be stopped, and the truth must be told,” he stated, adding that he possesses comprehensive documentation to back his claims.
The controversy has divided Panthic circles. While SGPC leadership has dismissed the charges as “baseless and politically motivated,” others—including former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and leaders from the AAP and BJP—have called for an impartial probe. Giani Harpreet Singh notably backed the Head Granthi, stating that the SGPC should have initiated an investigation into the charges instead of immediately issuing a notice.
As the 72-hour deadline approaches, the situation remains tense. If the SGPC fails to satisfy Giani Raghbir Singh’s demands for answers, he has vowed to bring his findings directly to the community, potentially leading to a major institutional showdown.
