Sri Amritsar-Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the living, eternal Guru of the Sikhs, and every Sikh and follower of Guru Nanak Dev Ji across the world holds deep reverence and devotion towards the Guru Sahib. He said that with regard to the ongoing issue concerning 328 sacred saroops (scriptures), an inquiry commission headed by S. Ishar Singh was constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The commission’s report clearly states that these sacred saroops were given to the sangat through the collusion of concerned employees and officials, and the prescribed offerings (bheta) were neither deposited into the trust funds nor were bills issued. This matter pertains to financial misappropriation by certain corrupt employees, he said.
He said that the Ishar Singh Commission report, which has been approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, clearly names 16 accused persons, who are also held guilty by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. In light of the orders issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already taken departmental action against these 16 accused. He further recalled that the then Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, had also stated from the historic stage of Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on November 17, 2020, that this was a case of administrative corruption in which the concerned employees had embezzled money, and that the SGPC had dismissed those employees who were found to have misappropriated funds.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that although the Khalsa Panth has never tolerated, nor will it tolerate in the future, government interference within the jurisdiction of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee—as it is the elected representative and apex Sikh body—however, in view of the confusion being created among the sangat by some people in the present matter of the sacred saroops, and keeping in mind the larger Panthic interests, the President of the SGPC, Advocate Harjinder Singh, is hereby authorised to extend due cooperation to the government only with regard to the issue of the 328 sacred saroops. The Jathedar said that if the government requires any information from the SGPC for the purpose of investigation, the required information may be examined at the SGPC’s Chandigarh sub-office in the presence of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh.
The Jathedar further said that the Ishar Singh commission has very clearly written on page 231 of the fourth part of its report that no political party should attempt to derive political benefit from this issue, and that any party doing so would be accountable to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and would be considered guilty of betraying Panthic interests. He said that Sri Akal Takht Sahib has already issued orders that no political party, organisation or individual should attempt to seek political mileage from this sensitive matter, and that the politics being done on it must be stopped, failing which strict action will be taken.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that during the course of this matter, it has been observed in recent days that on media, social media and web channel platforms, spokespersons of various parties, intellectuals and commentators, while speaking about the living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, are using extremely low-level analogies and language. He said that such crude terminology, whether used knowingly or unknowingly, is unbearable and unacceptable for Gursikhs, religious persons and devotees, and that many Gursikhs and Sikh organisations have raised objections in this regard.
He said that, keeping in view the reverence and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sri Akal Takht Sahib issues strict directions to all Sikh scholars, personalities and intellectuals who express their views on media, social media and web channels that, until the outcome of this matter comes forth, no allegations or statements should be made against any party, individual or organisation connected with this issue. He added that if such conduct continues, serious notice will be taken by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.