Due to his displeasure with the Shiromani Committee, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Chief Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh had expressed his displeasure over the apprehension of possible unfair or discriminatory action against him by the President, Secretary and Manager of the Shiromani Committee. He feared that the Shiromani Committee might remove him from the service of Chief Granthi. For this reason, he had filed a civil writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This was the first time in Sikh history that a former Jathedar had approached the court. Giani Raghbir Singh believed that some of the actions of the Shiromani Committee were against Panthic norms and traditions, which forced him to take such a step. Reason for filing the petition in the High Court Giani Raghbir Singh filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the actions of the Shiromani Committee, as he felt that his service was at risk. His move was also seen as an attempt to save the reputation and dignity of Sikh institutions. But this petition created strong opposition in the Panthic ranks. Sikh Sangats and organizations considered it against Panthic morality, as it is considered inappropriate to challenge the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in a worldly court. SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan also said that such a move reduces the respect of Sikh institutions and this has happened for the first time in Sikh history.
Decision to withdraw the petition
After strong reactions from Panthic organizations and Sikh Sangat, Giani Raghbir Singh decided to withdraw his petition on 30 June 2025. He issued a video statement and said that he took this decision while appreciating and respecting the sentiments of the Sangat. He stressed that he followed Panthic traditions and code of conduct during his service and never hurt Sikh institutions. He announced to stop the court proceedings respecting the love and concerns of the Sangat. He also said that it is the responsibility of the entire Khalsa Panth to maintain the dignity of the great positions of the Sikh Panth.
Reaction of Panthic organizations
The decision of Giani Raghbir Singh to go to court was strongly opposed by the Panthic organizations. The Chief Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee considered it an insult to the dignity of Sikh institutions. But when Giani Raghbir Singh announced to withdraw the petition, senior leaders of the Sikh organization Dal Khalsa Kanwarpal Singh and Paramjit Singh Mand welcomed this decision. They said that Giani Raghbir Singh saved the Khalsa Panth from disgrace by keeping the honor of the Sikh Sangat and with wisdom. This decision was considered positive in the Panthic ranks.
