Amritsar: The Akal Takht have imposed a ban on taking the sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to marriage palaces, resorts, sea beaches and commercial farms for Anand Karaj ceremonies. They said such a restriction already exists and any violation will invite strict action.
In another resolution, the high priests said that films or animated movies cannot be made by imitating or portraying the Sikh Gurus, their family members, Sikh warriors, generals or Sikh traditions.
They directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to formally inform major film producers and other production houses in India about this order. It was also clarified that no film related to Sikh history can be made without prior approval of the SGPC.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the five Sikh high priests held at Sri Akal Takht on Saturday, following the registration of police cases by the government in connection with the 328 missing sacred saroops. The high priests warned the present government and the ruling party to stop interfering in what they described as an internal Sikh matter, adding that failure to do so would lead to action as per Panthic traditions.
Notably, a police case was registered on December 7 in the missing saroops matter, in which 16 persons, including former and serving SGPC employees, have been named. The government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case, a move being strongly opposed by the SGPC.
The meeting was held under the leadership of acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Those present included Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh, granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Giani Parvinderpal Singh, Giani Keval Singh and head granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Juginder Singh.
Speaking to the media, Jathedar Gargaj said that three resolutions were passed. In one resolution, the government and the ruling party were cautioned against interfering in the matter of the sacred saroops. He said a probe had earlier been conducted under the directions of the then Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and the report clearly stated that no political party should attempt to gain political mileage from the issue. He said any party doing so would be accountable before Sri Akal Takht and would be considered Panth-violating.
Jathedar Gargaj also said that Sikh organisations demanding police cases and government intervention should understand that extending any cooperation to the government or police in this matter is not in the interest of the Panth. He urged all Sikh organisations to resolve the issue collectively.
He further directed the SGPC to make efforts to address the concerns of the Sikh sangat. He said information about such missing sacred saroops should be collected from the sangat through preachers and public notices.
