Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Centre must take immediate decision on Bhai Rajoana, other Sikh prisoners: Advocate Dhami
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), April 16, 2025 – The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) Executive Committee, under the leadership of President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, convened a meeting today where it sharply criticized the Central Government’s delay in deciding on the release of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and other long-term Sikh detainees.
A special resolution passed during the meeting described the delay as a grave injustice to the Sikh minority.
The resolution also urged the Supreme Court to direct the Central Government to make an immediate decision regarding the commutation of Bhai Rajoana’s death sentence, noting that he has been incarcerated on death row since 2007.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Advocate Dhami revealed that Bhai Rajoana had personally conveyed that the SGPC should withdraw its pending petition and demand the government decide once, as he "no longer sees a difference between life and death."
Dhami emphasized that the SGPC respects Rajoana’s sentiments and his steadfast spirit, which continues to serve as an inspiration to the Sikh community.
He further stated that the government must implement in full the 2019 notification issued during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which called for the release of Sikh prisoners. The Supreme Court's earlier directions to the Centre regarding a decision in Rajoana’s case should not be ignored, Dhami added.In a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Advocate Dhami urged him to intervene personally and display a large-hearted, sensitive approach in line with Sikh sentiments.
“The Sikh community is demanding justice, not charity,” he remarked. Dhami also announced that the SGPC will seek an appointment with the Union Home Minister, and will send a senior official to the Ministry of Home Affairs to pursue the matter.
On the issue of the appointment and retirement policy for the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Dhami shared that the SGPC has received a large number of suggestions from the Sikh community and expects more.
He urged Panthic organizations to treat the matter as a priority so that the SGPC can formulate a comprehensive and collective policy based on community consensus. Suggestions can be submitted until April 20, after which a committee will review them.
Marking Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Vaisakhi), Dhami congratulated the 13,258 individuals who received Amrit through various religious ceremonies conducted across different Takhts and zones, and announced plans to intensify this religious awareness campaign.
He also announced the launch of 350th martyrdom centenary celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib on April 18 from Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar. The SGPC has allocated special funds in its budget for the centenary and plans to organize a series of Gurmat events, Amrit Sanchar ceremonies, Nagar Kirtans, and seminars across different locations.
In other decisions, the Executive Committee approved a 4% hike in the dearness allowance for SGPC employees.
A condolence resolution was also passed in memory of SGPC member S. Randhir Singh Cheema and Baba Mann Singh, the head of the Nihang Jathebandi Guru Nanak Dal (Madiyan Wale), who recently passed away.
Prominent attendees included SGPC Senior Vice President Raghujit Singh Virk, Junior Vice President Baldev Singh Kalyan, General Secretary Sher Singh Mandwala, Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan, and Executive Committee members Bibi Harjinder Kaur, Surjit Singh Tughlawala, Paramjit Singh Khalsa, and others.