Letter from Giani Harpreet Singh to the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Letter from Giani Harpreet Singh to the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Seeking clarification while questioning the action taken against two members

Chandigarh 1 October ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, has written a letter to the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, raising serious questions regarding the action taken against two elected members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)—Bhai Mitthu Singh Kahnke and Bhai Jaswant Singh Pudain. In his letter, Giani Harpreet Singh expressed dismay that direct action was taken against both members without seeking an explanation or hearing their side. He stated that when making a decision concerning any individual or organization from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, it is crucial to adhere to the Sikh Code of Conduct (*Sikh Rehat Maryada*), Panthic procedures, and historical traditions. He alleged that the two aforementioned members were barred from attending the Executive Committee meeting and that the procedure of hearing their side of the story was not followed in this entire matter. Giani Harpreet Singh stated that, in accordance with the *maryada* (code of conduct) of *Panthic* institutions, it is essential to seek an explanation and hear the perspective of any individual before taking action against them. 

In the letter, Giani Harpreet Singh also referred to the meeting held by the said members with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He remarked that if the members had met the government to present their views on a serious *Panthic* issue or an incident concerning Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, their stance should have been heard. Raising questions regarding the *Hukamnama* (edict) issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on December 2, 2024, and the cases of those who failed to comply with it, he asserted that there must be uniform standards for adherence to such edicts. He appealed to the Acting Jathedar to provide clarity on these matters in light of Gurbani, Sikh history, and Panthic traditions. Giani Harpreet Singh also stated that consulting Panthic scholars and experts on the Sikh code of conduct before issuing a significant decision or edict regarding any specific individual from the ramparts of Sri Akal Takht Sahib aligns with the dignity and gravity of the Panthic institution. 

Referring to the incident at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in the letter, Giani Harpreet Singh asserted that clear answers to the Panthic questions surrounding this matter should be provided publicly. He stated that if action has been taken regarding any incident, the entire process and the facts involved should be placed before the *Sangat* (congregation). Citing the case involving Virsa Singh Valtoha, Giani Harpreet Singh also raised the issue of the alleged character assassination directed against him. He stated that, out of respect for the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he did not approach a secular court; instead, acting on the advice of Panthic scholars, he sought justice solely from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. However, Sri Akal Takht Sahib pardoned S. Valtoha without imposing any conditions. He asked, "Will you ensure I get justice in that matter?" and demanded that justice also be delivered at the Panthic level regarding the alleged character assassination he faced and the resulting harm. Finally, Giani Harpreet Singh remarked that Sri Akal Takht Sahib does not belong to any specific individual but is the supreme institution of the entire Panth. He emphasized that the dignity and impartiality of Sri Akal Takht Sahib must always be upheld as paramount.