While there is shame among Sikhs sitting in countries around the world, there is also anger. The removal of the Jathedars of the three Sikh takhts in Punjab from their positions within a month is happening for the first time in Sikh history. This incident has shaken the hearts of Sikhs from within.
When the building of Sri Akal Takht Sahib was demolished in 1984, thousands of Sikhs flocked to Sri Amritsar Sahib despite the curfew and military siege. Today’s decision is tantamount to uprooting the existence, dignity and concept of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Today, the general public is being forced to think that, like in 84, can the Sikh community, by gathering together to save the great institution and concept of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, chanting the mantra of Sri Darbar Sahib Waheguru Waheguru, and through a “miscellaneous agenda item” request the newly appointed Jathedar not to take up this position? Similarly, can the Sikh community force the Jathedars of Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Sri Talwandi Sabo appointed through “miscellaneous agenda” not to take up their positions? Can the Sikh community, by sitting in front of the houses of these Jathedars and meditating on Waheguru Ji, motivate them not to take up their positions?
Like the call to surround the houses of MLAs, can the members of the Inner Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee also be peacefully surrounded?
Shouldn’t the conscientious members of the political party that has shown its back to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and is making a fuss about it, by resigning, contribute to maintaining the dignity of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib institution established by Guru Hargobind Sahib?
As a student of law, I can clearly say two things. First, the Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib do not come under the purview of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as per the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925. A detailed article of mine on this has also been published in Punjabi newspapers in 1999. Second, if it is taken into account that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee can remove the Jathedars, then cannot it be legally justified to remove the Jathedars from their posts by bringing various items without giving them a chance to be heard (which is a gross violation of the ‘Natural Justice Principle’ of the law)! But considering today’s situation, it has become necessary to consider restoring the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in the court of the Sikh Sangat, ignoring these legal aspects.
If the farmers of Punjab can go to Delhi and sit on the streets for two years to get the government to reverse its decisions, then can’t the Sikh Sangat gather at Sri Darbar Sahib and chant and meditate on God, and get the illegal decision taken by the Interim Committee reversed?
Sikh Sangats all over the world are looking for the answers to these questions!!
