The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alleged that former Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh violated the Takht’s hukamnama, which prohibits using the proceedings of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs in court-related matters.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler said that former Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had issued an edict stating that the Takht’s proceedings should not be presented as evidence in courts. “Strict directions were issued to the Sikh sangat to ensure that this directive was followed in letter and spirit,” they said.
Dr Cheema called it condemnable that Giani Raghbir Singh had become a “stooge” of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and had gone so far as to appear before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the deposition made by SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal before the Takht. By recording his statement before the SIT, Giani Raghbir Singh has not only disregarded his own decision but has also undermined the authority of the Sikh community’s highest temporal seat. “Such an incident has never occurred in the state’s history and is highly condemnable,” he said.
He further pointed out that the former Jathedar had not only announced religious punishment for the SAD leadership but had also subsequently declared that they stood absolved after completing the prescribed punishment.
“By reviving this issue and politicising a religious matter in collusion with the Aam Aadmi Party, Giani Raghbir Singh has violated the maryada of the Takht. Such conduct does not befit a former Jathedar and harms the prestige of the institution,” Dr Cheema said.
He urged Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to take serious note of the incident, including the alleged violation of Sikh maryada, and initiate appropriate action in the matter.
Arshdeep Singh Kler alleged that the AAP was using the former Takht Jathedar to divert public attention from pressing state issues. “An attempt is being made to politicise the issue of sacrilege in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections,” Kler said.
He also pointed out that the government was facing questions in court regarding the delay in the investigation into the Kotkapura police firing case despite the submission of all challans.
“The court has sought a status report on the pending probe by July 18. This is why a fresh conspiracy is being hatched to keep the case alive,” Kler added.