Amritsar: The Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, on Monday said that politicisation of the sensitive issue related to 328 sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be stopped immediately, warning of strict action against those seeking political mileage from the matter.
Addressing the issue, Giani Gargajj said Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the living and eternal Guru of the Sikhs, revered by followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji across the world. He said the matter of the 328 sacred saroops had already been thoroughly examined by an inquiry commission headed by S. Ishar Singh, constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
According to the Ishar Singh Commission report, which has been approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the sacred saroops were distributed to the sangat through collusion of certain employees and officials. The prescribed offerings (bheta) were neither deposited in the trust funds nor were bills issued, making it a case of financial misappropriation by corrupt employees, the Jathedar said.
He stated that the report clearly names 16 accused persons who have been held guilty by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Following Akal Takht’s directions, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already taken departmental action against all 16 accused. He also recalled that former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had publicly clarified in November 2020 that the case involved administrative corruption and embezzlement of funds, after which the SGPC dismissed the erring employees.
Giani Gargajj reiterated that the Khalsa Panth does not tolerate government interference in the jurisdiction of the SGPC, which is the apex elected Sikh body. However, in view of confusion being created among the sangat and keeping larger Panthic interests in mind, he authorised SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh to extend cooperation to the government strictly limited to investigation into the issue of the 328 sacred saroops.
He clarified that if the government requires any information from the SGPC, it may be examined at the SGPC’s Chandigarh sub-office in the presence of the SGPC President.
The Jathedar further pointed out that the Ishar Singh Commission report explicitly states that no political party should attempt to derive political benefit from this issue, warning that such actions would amount to betrayal of Panthic interests and invite accountability before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said clear orders have already been issued barring political parties, organisations or individuals from politicising the matter.
Expressing concern over recent discourse, Giani Gargajj said it has been observed that spokespersons, commentators and intellectuals on media, social media and web platforms are using inappropriate and crude language while referring to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He termed such language unacceptable and deeply hurtful to Gursikhs and devotees.
He issued strict directions that until the matter reaches its conclusion, no allegations or statements should be made against any party, individual or organisation linked to the issue. Failure to comply, he warned, would invite serious notice and action by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
