Jathedar hits back, flays SGPC for 'questioning his authority'

Earlier, I believed that hukam (decree) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is implemented universally, but I came to know it yesterday that I was wrong and this hukam is only implemented within the boundary of Akal Takht premises. GIANI RAGHBIR SINGH, Akal Takht jathedar

- Surjit Singh

AMRITSAR: A day after Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that it was the appointing authority of the jathedars, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Saturday hit back and said, "Earlier, I believed that hukam (decree) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is implemented universally, but I came to know it yesterday that I was wrong and this hukam is only implemented within the boundary of Akal Takht Sahib premises."

His statement came a day after SGPC said that as the appointing authority as per the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 it has the right to sack Giani Harpreet Singh as Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar.

"The SGPC office-bearers during a press conference and at the meeting at my residence told me that I should not have shared a post on Facebook. Through that post, I only shared my feelings in support of Giani Harpreet Singh. I only shared what was going on in my mind over this issue. I did not issue any directive to the SGPC," Takht jathedar said.

Giani Raghbir Singh went on to add that Sikhs throughout the world follow Akal Takht and its decrees.