SGPC removes Giani Harpreet Singh as Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar

Giani Harpreet Singh had earlier claimed that he might be dismissed, alleging that the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) did not want to comply with Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s directive issued on December 2 last year for the party’s reorganisation.

The SGPC executive committee, during its meeting at the committee’s headquarters in Amritsar on Monday, decided to end his services. A three-member panel had been investigating allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh, reportedly made by one of his relatives. However, he had denied the accusations. The findings of the probe led to the SGPC’s decision.

Three members of the executive committee registered their protest against his removal.

A former priest at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Muktsar Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh was appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 2018. Initially seen as close to the Badal family, he later distanced himself and gained wider acceptance in Sikh circles.