Giani Raghbir Singh surprised at claims limiting Jathedars’ domain

Amritsar: The authority and jurisdiction of the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Sikhism's supreme temporal seat, have come under scrutiny, with Giani Raghbir Singh expressing surprise at claims limiting his influence. His reaction follows the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee's assertion that it holds the power to appoint and remove Jathedars of the faith's five Takhts.
On Saturday, Giani Raghbir Singh voiced his concerns, stating: "Sikhs around the world turn to the Akal Takht for spiritual and religious guidance. However, yesterday I learned that the Akal Takht's directives are confined to its four walls and do not extend beyond." He attributed this assertion to the SGPC's executive committee.
On Friday, the SGPC's executive committee had reaffirmed that both the Jathedar and the head granthi were bound by its service rules, which included provisions for their appointment and removal. Addressing the resignation of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Giani Raghbir Singh described him as a "true Gursikh with a clean character" and called his resignation deeply unfortunate. He emphasised that Dhami had stepped down on moral grounds, adding: "If he believes it was his moral responsibility to resign, then I believe it is my moral responsibility to ask him to resume his duties as SGPC president."
Clarifying a recent Facebook post in which he expressed concern over the termination of Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib — a decision cited by Dhami as the reason for his resignation — Giani Raghbir Singh stressed that his post reflected personal views rather than an official directive to the SGPC.
He also reiterated the existence of a seven-member committee, led by Dhami, tasked with overseeing enrolment in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) under a directive from the Akal Takht on Dec 2. Despite his repeated assertions that the committee remains operational, the SAD almost completed its enrolment process before the committee could convene. Asked whether Dhami had resigned under pressure, Giani Raghbir Singh acknowledged that Dhami had been under strain for months and conceded that external influences might have played a role in his decision.
Commenting on the removal of Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh called the move unfortunate and stressed that decisions of this sor should be handled with patience and a calm mindset. Asked about speculation regarding his own resignation, his simple reply was: "As Almighty wishes."
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