Inexcusable Remarks by SGPC President: A Call for Resignation

Leadership positions within the SGPC and associated bodies must embody the core values of the Sikh Panth, which include dignity, respect for women and collective decision-making.

Obnoxious Remarks by SGPC President

The recent derogatory remarks made by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami against former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur, during a telephonic conversation with a reporter, have elicited widespread condemnation. Advocate Dhami, in a Twitter video post on December 13 (3:32 PM), expressed regret and sought forgiveness at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. However, in our considered view, this apology is insufficient given the gravity of the incident, which he stated had occurred three or four days prior to his apology. We had replied on the Twitter as under:

A person, especially a Sikh, who can be telephonically provoked by a press reporter to utter uncharitable and unsavoury remarks against a woman who has served as the President of the SGPC, does not deserve to hold a leadership position in the SGPC or the interim committee constituted to guide the Shiromani Akali Dal.

A mere apology to Bibi Jagir Kaur individually, to women in general, or even to the Jathedar of Akal Takht is insufficient—he must resign from the position of President of the SGPC and relinquish his membership in the interim committee immediately.

Such remarks, regardless of the provocation, are inexcusable, especially at a time when the Sikh Panth is facing significant challenges.

His comments reflect not only a deep-seated disregard for women but also a troubling tendency to undermine the collective authority of the Five Singh Sahiban—a fundamental pillar of Sikh spiritual and temporal governance.

Viral Audio Reveals Deep-Rooted Mindset

The leaked audio, which has since gone viral, reveals that the provocation was neither grave nor sudden, making the remarks all the more indefensible. The short exchange with the journalist highlights a mindset unfit for leadership, especially at a time when the Sikh Panth is grappling with significant challenges. It underscores the need for leaders who uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect the Sikh tenets of equality and collective accountability.

In light of this, we have publicly demanded Advocate Dhami’s immediate resignation from his position as SGPC President. Furthermore, he must relinquish his role in the seven-member interim committee constituted under the orders of the Five Jathedars on behalf of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. This committee was entrusted with guiding the Shiromani Akali Dal for a six-month period until a new SAD President is elected in accordance with the party’s constitution. Advocate Dhami’s continued presence in these roles compromises the moral and ethical integrity of these esteemed positions.

Silence from SAD Leadership and Growing Demand for Accountability

Our demand for Dhami’s resignation was articulated in a live-streamed video, which emphasized the necessity of accountability, integrity, and respect within Sikh leadership. The video also raised concerns about the conspicuous silence of major SAD leaders, including its sole MP, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, on this matter. While Bibi Jagir Kaur herself has since called for his resignation, the lack of public statements from other senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders has been disappointing and raises questions about the party’s commitment to addressing such serious lapses in conduct.

Leadership positions within the SGPC and associated bodies must embody the core values of the Sikh Panth, which include dignity, equality, and collective decision-making. This incident highlights a troubling disconnect between these ideals and the current leadership's actions, further underscoring the need for systemic reform.

Punjab State Women Commission Takes Suo-Motu Action

The Punjab State Women Commission, chaired by Ms Raj Lali Gill, has taken suo-motu cognizance of the derogatory remarks made by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami against Bibi Jagir Kaur. In a formal notice, the Commission has summoned Advocate Dhami to appear in person at its office (SCO No. 5, Sector 55, Phase-1, SAS Nagar, Mohali) and submit a written explanation regarding the incident by December 17, 2024. The Commission has also warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will prompt it to recommend appropriate legal action under the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001. This intervention by the Women’s Commission underscores the gravity of the incident and its wider implications for accountability and gender respect within Sikh and public institutions.

Broader Implications for Sikh Leadership and Governance

The controversy has sparked broader reflections on the ethical and moral responsibilities of Sikh leaders. It calls for urgent introspection and change to ensure that those in leadership positions align with the values and principles that define the Sikh faith. Advocate Dhami’s remarks, regardless of context or provocation, represent a failure to uphold these standards and must be met with firm action.

We share our live-streamed video for your comments and further discussion. A note of caution: the audio clip contains non-parliamentary language, bordering on expletives, which makes it all the more critical to address this issue with the seriousness it demands. Sikh leadership must set a higher bar for conduct, ensuring that respect, accountability, and adherence to Sikh principles remain central to governance.