Call for rules on appointment and retirement of Takht Jathedars resurfaces

Amritsar: Following the termination of Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, there is renewed demand within the Sikh community for clear rules on the appointment, retirement, jurisdiction, and services of Jathedars of the Takhts.

This issue first emerged two decades ago after the forced retirement of Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh and the dismissal of Giani Puran Singh.

At that time, newly appointed Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to establish a mechanism for the Jathedars’ appointment, retirement, and duties.

The SGPC formed a committee of scholars, but it failed to achieve any outcome beyond initial meetings. Suggestions were invited via email from Sikh organizations and personalities, and a meeting was held in Anandpur Sahib, but no further progress was made.

Dal Khalsa, a prominent Sikh organization, took independent initiatives by organizing seminars and consulting Sikh leaders. They drafted a proposal, which was submitted to the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but the matter was eventually shelved.

Kanwarpal Singh, a leader of Dal Khalsa, stated that the organization would soon convene a Sikh conference in collaboration with like-minded groups and thinkers to build national consensus on the issue.

Jaswinder Singh Advocate, a former SGPC member, argued that without proper rules, similar incidents would continue to occur.

Former Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh also supported the need for guidelines on the appointment, retirement, and jurisdiction of Takht Jathedars. Several other Sikh organizations have also backed the call for an official mechanism for Jathedars.