Patiala: Patiala-based Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh, registrar Davinder Singh, dean of academic affairs Jawinder Singh Brar, and publication bureau head Harjinderpal Singh are facing an FIR over the alleged disrespectful disposal of error-ridden copies of the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahankosh.

Case Details
FIR No. 139 was registered on August 28, 2025, at 9:40 pm at Urban Estate Police Station, Patiala. The complaint was filed in writing by Manvinder Singh, Nirmaljit Singh, Yadwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sahildeep Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Balwinder Singh.

The controversy erupted after the university attempted to bury defective copies of the Mahankosh in pits on Thursday, claiming it was an “eco-friendly” disposal method. Students and Sikh bodies, however, perceived the act as desecration, sparking protests and drawing strong criticism from opposition parties, religious institutions, and social groups.

About the Mahankosh
The Mahankosh, compiled by Sikh scholar Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, is a revered Punjabi-language dictionary and encyclopaedia containing hymns of Gurbani and other religious texts. Its improper disposal was seen as deeply offensive by sections of the Sikh community.

Reactions and Religious Directions
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh leaders strongly condemned the act. Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, directed the university to seek atonement, ordering that the copies be disposed of respectfully at Gurdwara Angeetha Sahib, Goindwal Sahib. He also instructed the performance of Akhand Path Sahib and Ardas at the university gurdwara as repentance.

Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh issued a written apology, stating:
“Sixteen years ago, the university published a version of Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s Mahan Kosh that contained errors. The method chosen to address these mistakes hurt sentiments unintentionally. I deeply regret this. There was no ill intent or conspiracy behind the incident.”

Following the uproar, the university suspended Harjinderpal Singh and Himender Bharti, director of the Centre for Restoration of Ecosystem in Punjab (CRESP).

Police Action
Patiala SP Palvinder Singh Cheema confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against the vice-chancellor, registrar, dean of academic affairs, and the publication bureau head, along with one unidentified individual, under charges of hurting religious sentiments. He said all the accused were part of the committee tasked with disposing of the erroneous copies.

Student Protests
Student leaders Yadvinder Singh Yadu and Kuldeep Singh Jhinjer accused the administration of mishandling books containing Gurbani and demanded proper cremation in line with Sikh Maryada.

Registrar Davinder Singh claimed they could not consult SGPC or expert panel members due to a “shortage of time.” However, Prof. Paramvir Singh of the Department of Encyclopaedia of Sikhism clarified that the buried copies were being collected for transfer to Gurdwara Angeetha Sahib for respectful disposal.

Next Steps
Akal Takht has formed a four-member committee to investigate the incident and assess the condition of the university’s reference library amid concerns about the preservation of rare Sikh literature.

COPY OF FIR 139 of 2025 PS Urban Estate Against Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala