CHANDIGARH: The Sikh community has raised strong objections to the Maharashtra government’s move to alter the management of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib in Nanded. The state government is preparing to repeal the nearly 70-year-old existing law, enacted in 1956, to implement a new legislative framework. There are growing apprehensions within Sikh circles that this new law will further increase government interference in the administrative affairs of the Takht Sahib. Consequently, the proposed legislation is facing intense opposition from the community, with the Panj Piare of Takht Sahib leading the charge against the state’s decision.

The development comes after a cabinet meeting held last Sunday, chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where the proposal to repeal the old act and formulate a new one was officially approved under the pretext of making the management more streamlined and dynamic.

In response to this move, a crucial meeting was convened recently involving the Panj Piare of Takht Sahib, the local Hazuri Sadh Sangat, and other prominent Sikh personalities. The gathering saw the participation of key religious figures, including Jathedar Singh Sahib Baba Kulwant Singh, Dhoopia Bhai Ram Singh, Head Granthi Bhai Kashmir Singh, Granthi Bhai Manbir Singh, Vice Granthi Bhai Gurmeet Singh, Rehrasia Bhai Paramvir Singh, Kathakar Bhai Sarabjit Singh, and Baba Balwinder Singh Langar Sahib Wale, alongside the wider Hazuri Sadh Sangat.

According to information shared by Granthi Bhai Manbir Singh, a resolution was passed during this gathering, which was later read out to the congregation at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib during the evening assembly by Singh Sahib Giani Ram Singh.

Detailing the community’s stance, the release stated, “A meeting was held with the Panj Piare Sahibs of Takht Sahib and the entire Sangat regarding the Gurdwara Sachkhand Board Act, in which a resolution was passed noting that the Maharashtra government has decided to completely repeal the Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956. In its place, the government aims to implement the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Bill 2026, for which a motion is being presented to be passed in the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly.”

The statement further clarified the unanimous demand of the local Sikh populace: “After deep consideration and in accordance with the demand of the entire Hazuri Sangat, it was decided that the Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956, should be maintained exactly as before. The new Bill is unanimously opposed by the entire Hazuri Sangat and the Panj Piare Sahibs.”

The opposition is not limited to Nanded. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also strongly condemned the Maharashtra government’s decision to scrap the 1956 Act. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami voiced his strict disapproval, emphasizing that any decisions affecting the maryada (code of conduct), management, and religious autonomy of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib must not be taken unilaterally.

Advocate Dhami asserted that prior consultation with Sikh institutions, the Jathedars of the Takhts, and the SGPC—the representative religious body of the Sikhs—is absolutely essential before introducing any such administrative shifts. Criticizing the state’s approach, he stated that governments are making “such ugly attempts to weaken Sikh institutions, which the Sikh Sangat will never accept.”