Chandigarh, June 22, 2024 – The Global Sikh Council (GSC), a confederation of national-level Sikh organisations worldwide, strongly urges the return of control over the Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Hazur Sahib from the respective State Governments of Bihar and Maharashtra to the Sikh community.

The GSC calls upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the global Sikh diaspora to take decisive steps to liberate and reclaim these sacred Takhts from both the governments oversight.

 Joint Press Release Highlights Takhts’ Governance Issues

In a joint press release, GSC president Lady Singh Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, Chairman Lord Indarjit Singh, Chairman of Legal Affairs Committee Jagir Singh, and Chairman of Religious Affairs Committee Dr. Karminder Singh highlighted the historical and religious significance of these Takhts. They explained that Takht Patna Sahib operates under the Patna Sahib Constitution and Bylaws of 1957, while Takht Hazur Sahib is governed by the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Apchalnagar Sahib Act of 1956. These regulations involve significant government interference in the Takhts’ religious ceremonies and administrative affairs.

Historical Importance and Current Issues

Elaborating on their historical importance and current issues, the GSC has highlighted that Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib hold immense reverence within Sikhi. Takht Patna Sahib marks the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on December 22, 1666, while Takht Hazur Sahib is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his last months and bestowed Gurtagaddi on the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, thereby concluding the lineage of living Gurus.

Consequently, these sites hold immense historical and religious significance for Sikhs. Moreover, the distinct roles of these Takhts emphasize important milestones in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life and the evolution of Sikh spiritual leadership.

GSC Criticizes Violations of Sikh Tenets at Takhts

          However, the GSC points out that current practices at these Takhts violate fundamental Sikh tenets. “Activities such as the ritual slaughter of goats, the parkash and recital of ‘Akhand Path’ of ‘Bachitter Natak’ (Dasham Granth) in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the performance of Artee rituals are not in accordance with the Sikh Rehet Maryada. The daily Artee ritual at Takht Hazur Sahib, which includes lighted lamps, contradicts the guidance of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji as expressed in Gurbani”, they added.

Government Control Over Takht Patna Sahib

The GSC emphasized that the wide-ranging powers given to district judges under these bylaws enable full government control over the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib, a legacy from the East India Company era (circa 1810). This control infringes upon the fundamental right of Sikhs to manage their religious affairs, institutions, and property. The GSC highlighted that, according to Section 26 of the Indian Constitution, religious denominations have the right to establish and maintain institutions, manage their own affairs, and own and acquire property.

The Supreme Court of India, in the case of “Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Madras v. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt (AIR 1954 SC282),” affirmed this right, noting that removing administration from a religious denomination violates Article 26(d).

Limited Influence of Sikhs in Takht Patna Sahib Governance

The GSC representatives lamented that Sikhs on the Takht Patna Sahib committee and board have little influence over governance and religious practices. Moreover, they noted that over 90 percent of the 400 to 500 employees at these Takhts are non-Sikhs unfamiliar with Gurmukhi and Gurbani. Additionally, the Gianis (religious priests) do not follow the Sikh Rehet Maryada, a Panthic-approved code of conduct, and many of their practices are not Gurmat compliant. These practices are also impacting other parts of Punjab and Sikh communities overseas, which are resisting these non-compliant practices.

GSC appealed to the Sikhs worldwide

          The GSC has appealed to the Sikhs worldwide to oppose unwarranted government interference in the Sikh institutions. The GSC urges the SGPC and the Sikh diaspora to act immediately to protect our religious heritage and regain control of the Takhts from the State Governments of Bihar and Maharashtra. The Global Sikh Council has released a detailed paper, “The 5 Takhts and SGPC,” outlining steps to reclaim and manage these sacred Gurdwaras.