Amritsar: A deepening institutional crisis has gripped the Sikh community following an explosive press conference by former Akal Takht Jathedar and current Darbar Sahib head granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh. Addressing the media in Jalandhar on February 18, he leveled severe allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), claiming it was being patronized by the Badal family. Just a day later, the SGPC retaliated by issuing a strict 72-hour ultimatum to Singh to clarify his claims.

This dramatic face-off highlights a broader, growing crisis within premier Sikh institutions, where widespread allegations suggest that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Badal faction’s continued control over the SGPC has severely compromised its

integrity and damaged the credibility of the historic body.

Giani Raghbir Singh’s Core Allegations

During his specially convened press conference, Giani Raghbir Singh pulled no punches, emphasizing his duty to the community over his position.

Widespread Corruption & Land Sales: He accused the Badal family of fostering corrupt elements within the SGPC, alleging that unscrupulous officials were actively selling off institutional lands.

Bribery: He claimed the corruption runs so deep that bribes up to Rs 5 lakh are being demanded by SGPC officials just to hold an Akhand Path at specific locations within the Darbar Sahib complex.

Political Interference & Coercion: Revealing intense political pressure, Singh stated that during the Tarn Taran by-election, he was forced to issue a statement claiming that the December 2, 2024, Akal Takht pronouncement declaring Sukhbir Singh Badal a Tankhaiya was made under RSS-BJP pressure. He flatly refused, maintaining the decision was made independently by the five Singh Sahib.

Targeted Transfers & Extortion: He alleged that following the December 2 edict, both he and former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh were removed from their roles. Furthermore, he claimed that Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh was transferred to Muktsar, and an SGPC official subsequently demanded a Rs 5 lakh bribe to transfer him back.

Historical Comparisons: Highlighting his own leave application being vetoed by the Badal family (“Wadde Ghar waale“), Giani Raghbir Singh compared the current dismantling of Sikh maryada (code of conduct) to historical villains like Abdali and Massa Ranghar, noting controversial past decisions like the unilateral pardon of the Sirsa dera chief and the protection of controversial police officers.

Sacrilege and Police Atrocities: Recalling deep wounds within the community, Singh brought up the unresolved incidents of the Bargari sacrilege and the Behbal Kalan police firing. He strongly condemned the promotion and political protection granted to controversial senior police officers like Sumedh Saini and Izhar Alam.

Call to Action: Calling for the convening of a Sarbat Khalsa, he urged Sikh organizations to unite and liberate the SGPC from the clutches of a single family, demanding transparency on unresolved issues like the 328 missing saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib and missing heritage swords.

SGPC’s Reaction: 72 hours Ultimatum:

The SGPC swiftly struck back the following day, February 19, forcefully rejecting the accusations. Addressing the media, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami announced that the Executive Committee had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Giani Raghbir Singh. Dhami warned that Singh—who is officially on leave until April 2, 2026—must provide evidence and clarify his stance, or face strict disciplinary action. The SGPC President dismissed the head granthi’s claims as “fake and false,” alleging that Giani Raghbir Singh was merely reading from a pre-written, orchestrated script designed to target the institution.

Condemnation of SGPC’s Action:

Karnail Singh Peermohammad, vice-president of SAD Badal’s split-away faction SAD (Punar-Surjeet), strongly condemned the 72-hour notice as a scripted drama orchestrated by the Badal family to cover up a forced and politically motivated ouster. He warned that this dictatorial interference in supreme spiritual posts is fatal to Sikh institutions and will inevitably invite the wrath of the global Sangat.