Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami has launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government. He questioned its intent behind filing a police case in the matter of the missing 328 saroops (holy volumes) of the Guru Granth Sahib, despite the state previously acknowledging the SGPC's authority in court.
SGPC's Action vs Government's FIR: A Contradiction?
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dhami stated that the SGPC had already taken strict action based on the recommendations of Dr. Ishar Singh's investigation report. This action, directed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, was implemented fully against employees across all ranks. The issue dates back to June 2020, when the disappearance of the saroops from the SGPC's Amritsar publication house triggered a major controversy.
Dhami highlighted a key contradiction. He pointed out that the Punjab government had earlier submitted in the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the SGPC is a competent institution authorized to handle its administrative matters. "Despite that, it registered an FIR, which proves the government's political intent," Dhami asserted.
Political Motives and Allegations of Interference
Terming the FIR a "political move," the SGPC chief accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of interfering in the internal affairs of the Sikh community. He said the government was challenging the authority of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.
Dhami further alleged that the AAP, which came to power by capitalizing on issues related to sacrilege, is now indulging in politics. He criticized the government for remaining silent on the parole and furlough granted to Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
On December 7, 2025, the Amritsar Police registered an FIR against 16 persons, including a former SGPC chief secretary, concerning the missing saroops. While the Mann government defended the step as necessary to prevent any possible desecration, it faced strong pushback from Sikh religious leaders.
Mounting Tensions and Sikh Leadership's Warning
The Singh Sahiban, or the heads of the five Sikh temporal seats, held a crucial meeting on December 28. They asked the AAP government to stop meddling in the internal matters of the Sikhs or face action as per Panthic (community) traditions.
In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Monday, accused the SGPC of failing to locate the missing holy volumes. He maintained that the FIR was registered after several Sikh bodies raised a demand for it.
The standoff underscores the ongoing tensions between the Sikh religious body and the state government. It centers on the interpretation of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act and the limits of governmental authority in the community's religious and administrative affairs.
