‘Blatant Political Move’: Jathedar Gargaj slams Punjab Govt over action in 328 Saroops Case
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), December 9, 2025: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has strongly criticised the Punjab government’s recent legal action in the case involving 328 holy saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and a previously banned Hindi book published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
He termed the move “politically motivated” and a “direct interference in Sikh institutions.”
Speaking to the media after a meeting of the five Singh Sahibs at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Jathedar Gargaj clarified that the matter of the 328 saroops had already been thoroughly investigated.
He said the three-member inquiry commission, led by S. Ishar Singh, had submitted its report, following which the SGPC took appropriate disciplinary action against the officers and employees found responsible.
This action, he added, was accepted by then Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, the Panj Singh Sahib, and the internal committees who presented themselves before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and sought forgiveness. A resolution of apology was also passed by the SGPC in its general session.
Jathedar Gargaj asserted that the case pertains to financial misconduct and not sacrilege. He further alleged that the involvement of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and former minister Harjot Singh Bains—both previously salaried officials of Sri Akal Takht Sahib—points to clear political intent behind the government’s intervention.
He accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of lacking understanding of Sikh traditions and undermining the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib by reopening matters that have already been resolved within the Panthic framework. He warned that such attempts to weaken the SGPC would not be tolerated by the Sikh community.
Regarding the banned Hindi book Sikh History, Jathedar Gargaj said this issue had also been addressed years ago. He stated that the government’s renewed interest in the matter indicates ignorance of the full facts and suggests the action is based on misleading narratives circulated by certain groups.