The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has forcibly retired Golden Temple head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh with immediate effect, triggering fresh debate within Sikh religious and political circles. The decision was taken during a special executive meeting convened at the committee’s headquarters after Singh failed to submit written evidence to support his recent corruption allegations against the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed the development, stating that the executive acted after thorough deliberations. He said Singh had been given an ultimatum to provide documentary proof to back his claims but did not respond satisfactorily even after the deadline expired. According to Dhami, the allegations had harmed the reputation of the apex Sikh religious body and reflected disregard for established norms and procedures.
The controversy began on February 18 when Singh addressed mediapersons in Jalandhar and accused SGPC officials of corruption while questioning transparency in certain land deals. The SGPC issued a formal notice the following day demanding evidence. Instead of submitting documents, Singh responded with a counter-ultimatum on February 22, asking the committee to reply to his corruption charges.
Singh, who previously served as jathedar of the Akal Takht, said the committee’s action did not surprise him. He claimed the confrontation stemmed from a decision he delivered on December 22, 2024, when he awarded “tankhah” (religious punishment) to SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Akali ministers, and members of the party’s core committee. The punishment related to what he described as religious misconduct during SAD’s tenure from 2007 to 2017.
As head granthi of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Singh held one of the most respected religious positions in Sikhism. His sudden retirement has therefore drawn significant attention across Punjab and among Sikh communities globally. Observers believe the dispute underscores deeper tensions between religious authority and institutional leadership within Sikh bodies.
Meanwhile, Sikh leader Paramjit Singh Sarna has called for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the corruption allegations, arguing that the matter deserves independent examination. With both sides holding firm to their positions, the episode has evolved into one of the most prominent internal confrontations within Sikh institutional governance in recent years.
The situation now remains fluid. While the SGPC considers its decision final, Singh has indicated he stands by his allegations. Whether the dispute moves toward legal proceedings or further religious deliberation could shape the future discourse around accountability and authority within Sikh institutions.
Summary: The SGPC has forcibly retired Golden Temple head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh after he failed to provide written evidence for corruption allegations against the body and the Shiromani Akali Dal. Singh links the action to his earlier religious punishment verdict against Sukhbir Singh Badal. The controversy has sparked calls for a transparent inquiry and raised broader questions about governance within Sikh religious institutions.