SGPC's call for suggestions on codifying the rules governing the appointment and responsibilities of the Jathedar Sahib: My Submission.......by KBS Sidhu

Safeguarding the sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib: A framework for reform and stability

The recent call by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for suggestions on codifying the rules governing the appointment and responsibilities of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib presents a historic opportunity for introspection, reform, and principled consensus within the Sikh Panth.

Responding to this appeal, I have submitted a detailed framework intended to protect the institutional dignity of this supreme temporal office, insulate it from political manipulation, and ensure that it continues to serve the Khalsa Panth with clarity, authority, and justice.

This article presents the essence of that submission and encourages thoughtful engagement from Sikh intellectuals, scholars, and organizational representatives across the world.

Why Reform is Necessary

Over the years, concerns have emerged regarding the politicisation, procedural opacity, and institutional vulnerability of the office of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

The absence of codified rules has allowed for ad hoc decisions, short-term calculations, and limited transparency, thereby diminishing the spiritual authority and global credibility of the Takht.

By introducing clearly articulated eligibility norms, appointment procedures, jurisdictional boundaries, and safeguards against arbitrary removal, the SGPC has a chance to affirm the independence of the Takht and strengthen its role as the Panth's highest moral and temporal voice.

Eligibility Must Reflect Spiritual and Institutional Maturity

The proposed framework recommends that any candidate considered for the office of Jathedar must be:

• An Amritdhari Sikh with a minimum of ten years’ standing.
• A citizen of India and listed in the SGPC electoral rolls.
• Academically qualified with at least a Master’s degree in Religious Studies, preferably with a focus on Sikh Studies, while giving additional weight to PhD candidates.
• Eligible also through practical religious service, including Granthis, Ragis, Parcharaks, and Kathavachaks with a minimum of ten years’ experience, preferably within the SGPC structure.
• Free of any criminal convictions involving a sentence exceeding two years.
• Not affiliated as an active Member or Office Bearer of SGPC or any political party, unless they resign prior to taking charge.
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Additionally, once appointed, the Jathedar shall not be eligible to hold elected or nominated office within the SGPC or any statutory gurdwara body, except in an ex officio capacity, if mandated by law.

A Transparent, Democratic, and Accountable Process of Appointment

The Executive Committee of the SGPC shall first prepare a shortlist of eligible candidates. However, to ensure democratic legitimacy, the appointment shall only take effect upon the approval of a two-thirds majority of the SGPC General House, present and voting.

The tenure shall be five years, renewable once. However, no individual shall serve more than ten years in total, whether in full or partial terms, and retirement at age 75 shall be automatic, regardless of any unexpired tenure.

Due Process in Removal and the Right to Resign

To safeguard institutional independence, the Jathedar shall not be removed without due process. A panel of three retired Supreme Court or High Court judges, all of them Keshdhari Sikhs (including one woman, if possible), shall be constituted to conduct a formal inquiry in cases warranting removal.

The SGPC General House must then ratify the findings by a two-thirds majority, following which the removal takes effect. The Jathedar retains the liberty to resign at any time, including during the removal process.

Jurisdiction, Procedure, and the Power of Edicts

The Jathedar shall enjoy supreme temporal authority over the Sikh Panth worldwide, particularly in relation to religious discipline (tankhah) and adjudication of ethical and spiritual misconduct.

Proceedings must adhere to natural justice, with due notice and opportunity for a personal hearing. The Jathedar may evolve summary procedures, depending on the context, but fairness must never be compromised.

Ex-communication shall be a measure of last resort, invoked only when the errant Sikh shows persistent defiance and no remorse.

Importantly, while the Jathedar shall not interfere in SGPC's administration or political parties’ internal matters, his jurisdiction shall extend to any Sikh, including SGPC office-bearers or political leaders, when their conduct is violative of Sikh principles.

In cases of overlapping jurisdiction, the Jathedar's decision shall be final and binding, and not subject to review by the SGPC or any political organisation. However, the Jathedar may review his own past orders, or those of his predecessors, for valid and sufficient reasons, provided that no adverse order is passed without offering an opportunity of hearing to the affected individual.

Remuneration, Consultation, and the Sanctity of Hukamnamas

To reflect the office’s dignity and ensure independence, the Jathedar should receive remuneration and post-retirement benefits equivalent to a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

He may consult with Sikh intellectuals, scholars of other traditions, and other Jathedars. Yet, the final Hukamnama must remain solely under his authority and shall be deemed the binding edict of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Institutionalising the Framework through Statutory Backing

The SGPC should adopt this framework by formal resolution and petition the Government of India to incorporate these provisions either through an amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, or via statutory rules framed thereunder.

This will insulate the office from transient majorities and extraneous influences, ensuring long-term institutional stability. The same provisions may be considered for the other two Jathedars whose jurisdiction overlaps with the SGPC.

A Humble Call for Engagement from Sikh Thinkers

I share these thoughts as a humble and practicing Sikh, and as a retired Punjab cadre IAS officer, having served as Special Chief Secretary, Punjab, apart from my tenure as Deputy Commissioner Amritsar (1992-96). My only aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of a spiritual institution that represents the soul of the Sikh Panth.

I appeal to Sikh intellectuals across the world to engage with this process, share constructive insights, and make submissions to the SGPC before 20 April 2025, so that a principled, broad-based, and transparent consensus can be forged from within the community itself.

Let us collectively work to restore and strengthen the dignity, authority, and sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in the eyes of the global Sikh sangat.

April 20, 2025