Tarn Taran – Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, former MLA, and Constituency In-charge of Khadoor Sahib, has condemned the petition filed by Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib and former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, labeling it as a “Calculated assault on the sovereignty of Sikh customs and institutions.”“It is extremely unfortunate and astonishing that a personality who has held the most revered positions in the Sikh Panth is now seeking resolution in secular courts for matters pertaining to the Panth,” Brahmpura stated. “This action will be remembered as a dark day in Sikh history.”
Criticizing Giani Raghbir Singh’s decision, Brahmpura questioned, “Since when have the decisions of the supreme institutions of the Sikh Panth been challenged in secular courts? Decisions concerning Sikh institutions are made exclusively in the court of the Sikh Panth, at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Has Giani Raghbir Singh lost faith in the Sikh judicial system, the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, and the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib?”
He expressed that it is a grave concern that the same Giani Raghbir Singh, who was once the guardian of Sikh customs as the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, is now undermining those very customs for personal gains. Brahmpura dismissed the claim of political vendetta behind Singh’s removal as completely baseless. “The truth is that his act of approaching a secular court is, in itself, a step that weakens the Panth and provides an opportunity for anti-Panthic forces to interfere in Sikh affairs,” Brahmpura asserted.
He emphasized that the Shiromani Committee is an elected Panthic body with the legitimate authority to make its own administrative decisions. “If anyone has a grievance, there are forums within the Panthic framework to address it. Approaching the High Court demonstrates that the intention is not to protect Panthic interests, but rather to cling to a position and undermine the reputation of Panthic institutions,” he stated.
Brahmpura called upon the entire Sikh Sangat to recognize and reject actions that compromise the unity and principles of the Panth. He urged Giani Raghbir Singh to withdraw his petition immediately and to honor the Sikh customs, thereby upholding the dignity and supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.