Time for Reforms in Sikh Institutional Governance (Hindustan Times)

The Controversy Over Jathedar Appointments: Challenges for the SGPC and the Way Forward.

Preamble

This article of mine, "Time for Reforms in Sikh Institutional Governance," has been published in the Hindustan Times, Chandigarh edition, on 13th March 2025. It is expected to serve as one of the agenda papers for discussion at the Panthic Convention convened by the Damdami Taksal at Anandpur Sahib on March 14, 2025 (tomorrow). The piece explores the ongoing controversy surrounding Jathedar appointments, the challenges facing the SGPC, and potential reforms for Sikh institutional governance.

Your views and comments are most welcome.

Introduction: A Contentious Decision

The recent summary removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has sparked significant controversy within Sikh Panthic circles. What makes this decision particularly contentious is that criticism is not limited to the usual detractors of Sukhbir Singh Badal, who continues to wield influence over the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) despite no longer being its official president. Even among his close associates, including his own family members, there has been dissent over the SGPC’s move.

Key Sikh institutions, such as the Damdami Taksal and the Budha Dal, have strongly opposed not just the removal but also the manner in which the new Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, was anointed in the early hours of the morning. The breach of maryada (religious protocol) has further compounded the controversy, raising fundamental questions about the legitimacy of the process.

The Historical Context: Akal Takht and SGPC’s Role

The ongoing tussle between the SGPC and the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht is not new. The Akal Takht, as the supreme temporal authority of the Sikhs, was established in 1606 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Baba Buddha Ji was the first Jathedar, marking the beginning of an institution that predates the SGPC by over three centuries. Historically, the role of the Jathedar was subservient to that of the Sikh Gurus, who were the supreme spiritual as well as temporal authorities of the Sikh faith until Guru Gobind Singh Ji anointed Guru Granth Sahib as the embodiment of the eternal Guru.

The SGPC, a statutory body formed under colonial rule, has assumed the authority to appoint and remove Jathedars over the years. However, it is important to note that the 1925 Sikh Gurdwaras Act does not explicitly mention the term "Jathedar." Instead, it refers to a "head minister," a term now increasingly interpreted as referring to the Head Granthi rather than the Jathedar of Akal Takht.

Executive Committee's Unchecked Authority

The SGPC’s executive committee, elected annually from the General House, has taken upon itself the power to appoint and remove Jathedars without any fixed criteria or requirement for justification. This has effectively given the dominant political faction within the SGPC, currently aligned with Sukhbir Singh Badal, unfettered control over these crucial appointments.

The potential for political manipulation has been evident in past incidents, such as the controversial granting of pardon to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, which was later retracted due to backlash. These instances highlight how the institution of the Jathedar can be used as a political tool, often at the expense of broader Panthic interests.

The 14 March Panthic Sammelan: A Turning Point?

In response to the growing dissent, the Damdami Taksal has convened a Panthic Sammelan (conference) on 14 March at Anandpur Sahib, coinciding with Hola Mahalla. This gathering aims to bring together various Sikh organisations to discuss the crisis and explore a way forward. However, given the political entanglements of the SGPC and SAD, it is unlikely that representatives from these bodies will participate in the discussions.

The conference will provide an opportunity to formulate a consensus on the methodology for appointing Jathedars in a transparent and religiously appropriate manner. If successful, this could lay the groundwork for much-needed reforms in Sikh institutional governance.

The Need for SGPC Elections and Structural Reforms

One of the most pressing issues in this crisis is the overdue elections for the SGPC’s General House. The last SGPC elections were held in 2011, meaning an entire generation of Sikh men and women who have reached voting age (21 years) since then have been denied participation. The process of updating voter rolls is nearly complete, and with Justice (Retd.) S.S. Saron appointed as the Chief Commissioner for Gurdwara Elections, the stage is set for fresh polls.

A critical reform needed is the depoliticisation of SGPC elections. Given that these elections are conducted under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act and not the Representation of the People Act, no political party registered with the Election Commission of India should be allowed to contest using their official symbols. Holding fair and transparent SGPC elections would help restore credibility and ensure that the new executive committee represents the true will of the Sikh sangat.

The Question of Disenfranchisement

Another contentious issue is the disenfranchisement of nearly seven million (70 lakh) Sehajdhari Sikhs, who were historically allowed to vote in SGPC elections until a controversial amendment was pushed through by Parkash Singh Badal’s government. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier ruled against the central government's attempt to strip Sehajdhari Sikhs of their voting rights through an executive notification. However, the Badal-led administration later facilitated a retrospective amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, overriding the court’s decision. The constitutional validity of this amendment, by the Sehajdhari Sikh Party, is now under challenge, and its decision could have a significant impact on the composition of the SGPC electorate.

Towards a More Democratic Appointment Process for Jathedars

A long-term solution to the controversy over Jathedar appointments would be to shift the decision-making power from the SGPC’s executive committee to the full General House of the SGPC. This would ensure broader representation and reduce the likelihood of politically motivated removals.

Additionally, clear eligibility criteria and fixed tenures should be established for Jathedars. Ideally, Jathedars should be elected for a five-year term with the possibility of re-election. The executive committee should not have unilateral authority to remove them, as this power should rest with the full General House.

It is also important to recognise that the SGPC is not the sole representative body for all Sikhs in India. Haryana, Delhi, and other states have their own statutory gurdwara management committees, and various historical gurdwaras in Hyderabad, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir operate under separate legal frameworks. Any reform in the appointment of Jathedars should take into account this diversity within Sikh religious governance.

Summing Up: A Call for Unity and Reform

The intersection of SGPC politics and Jathedar appointments has long been a source of friction within the Sikh community. The latest controversy has only deepened existing divisions and raised serious concerns about the erosion of maryada and institutional integrity.

The upcoming Panthic Sammelan on 14 March presents an opportunity for Sikh leaders to come together and chart a new course, one that prioritises religious sanctity over political expediency. However, real change will require concrete steps—holding SGPC elections, restoring voting rights to disenfranchised Sikhs, and instituting a transparent process for the appointment of Jathedars.

The ball is now in the court of Sikh leadership. Whether they choose to engage in constructive dialogue or allow these divisions to fester will determine the future of Sikh institutions and their ability to uphold the dignity of Sri Akal Takht and the Panthic leadership.