Punjab Outlook

Amritsar—Sikh thinker and Punjab BJP spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala stated that it is both shocking and shameful that in the case of 328 missing sacred Saroops, the Badal leadership is desperately trying to protect Satinder Singh Kohli solely because of his proximity to Sukhbir Singh Badal. By openly advocating for Kohli and crossing every constitutional and legal boundary to influence the judicial process, they are consciously inflicting deep wounds on Sikh sentiments. The Sikh community wants answers.
Prof. Khiala said that after the Ishar Singh Committee’s inquiry report in 2020 revealed a shortfall of 328 sacred Saroops, it was the direct responsibility of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to ascertain where these sacred Saroops had gone and in what condition. However, even after more than five years, the SGPC has neither provided answers nor made any serious effort in this direction.
He pointed out that the recent directive issued by the Five Singh Sahiban from Sri Akal Takht Sahib—asking the SGPC to trace the missing sacred Saroops through preachers and public advertisements—clearly proves that neither the SGPC nor the Akal Takht Secretariat possesses any concrete information regarding this grave matter. This situation exposes the complete failure and irresponsible conduct of the SGPC.
Such insensitivity and negligence towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal sovereign of the Sikh faith, clearly establish that the SGPC and the Badal leadership have completely drifted away from their panthic responsibilities. Although they are attempting to use Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a shield for self-defense, the truth is that they have already lost the trust, moral authority, and credibility of the Sikh Sangat.
Prof. Khiala stated that while the SGPC frequently asserts its statutory powers under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, it conveniently ignores the duties and responsibilities imposed by the same Act. Section 142 of the Act categorically makes it clear that the SGPC, its president, members, and employees are not above the law. Any act of negligence, misconduct, or breach of trust is subject to judicial scrutiny by the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, with ultimate accountability before the High Court.
He clarified that the present matter pertains to a police case registered under the directions of the High Court. Therefore, the SGPC and the Badal leadership must understand that they are accountable not only to the Panth but also to the judiciary.
Prof. Khiala further questioned whether the cancellation of Resolution No. 466 dated August 27, 2020—passed as per the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to register criminal cases against the guilty—and its replacement by Resolution No. 493 limiting action to departmental proceedings does not amount to a blatant violation of Akal Takht Sahib’s authority.
He concluded by stating that the Badal leadership was under the illusion that the loss of sacred Saroops could be compensated monetarily. However, the inquiry commission’s report has already made it clear that for those who harbor such thinking, the verdict is unequivocal: ‘tusi Malak de Ghar Bakhashe Nahi Jauge’
“You will not be forgiven in the court of the Divine Master.”