SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami resigns amid controversy over Jathedar’s suspension

Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami resigned from his positions as president and head of the seven-member recruitment committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

His decision follows controversy over the SGPC’s move to forward Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh.

Dhami, who became SGPC president in November 2021, announced his resignation at a press conference. He stated that the decision to forward Giani Harpreet Singh was made unanimously by the in-house committee, including him.

He added that all members were consulted before deciding to remove him from the seven-member recruitment committee.

Dhami submitted his resignation as SGPC president to the internal committee, while his resignation from the recruitment committee was sent to the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht.

The controversy arose after the SGPC’s internal committee recently suspended Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, over allegations against him.

The decision was opposed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, who argued that the SGPC lacked the authority to conduct inquiries against Jathedars, a power reserved for the Akal Takht Jathedar.

The dispute has led to protests, culminating in Dhami’s resignation from his leadership roles within the SGPC.