M A I N   N E W S

Puran Singh in catch-22 situation
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Dec 10 — The appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, Golden Temple is likely to create problems. He faces a catch 22 situation as he will have to attend meetings of Sikh high priests — Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Damdama Sahib, and Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi, Akal Takht — who were ‘excommunicated’ from the Panth by him through a controversial ‘hukamnama’ on March 12.

It was for the first time in the 396-year history of Akal Takht that high priests were ‘excommunicated’ from the Panth. The controversial edicts, including the ‘excommunication’ of Bibi Jagir Kaur and three high priests, were revoked by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti on March 29.

Giani Puran Singh, who was sacked by the SGPC executive had claimed that the ‘hukamnamas’ once issue could not be withdrawn. This means, Giani Puran Singh will never admit that the ‘hukamnamas’ issued by him stand withdrawn.

It is pertinent to mention here that the presence of the Head Granthi at the meetings of Sikh high priests is mandatory.

Interestingly, this is for the first time that a person sacked as Jathedar, Akal Takht, has been appointed Head Granthi, Golden Temple.

Sikh scholars feel the appointment of Giani Puran Singh may be in indication towards initiation of action against Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh who are facing an SGPC inquiry. It may be mentioned here that while placing the then Jathedar, Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, under suspension on February 10, 1999, the SGPC executive had constituted a three-member sub-committee to hold an inquiry against Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh.

Though the inquiry was time bound, the then SGPC President, Bibi Jagir Kaur, had not allowed any meeting of the committee. Scholars are of the view that if the appointment of Giani Puran Singh is confirmed at the forthcoming executive committee of the SGPC scheduled for December 12 and 13, the inquiry may be reopened against the Jathedars of Damdama Sahib and Kesgarh Sahib.

Some members of the SGPC, who had sacked Giani Puran Singh on March 28, may oppose the approval to his fresh appointment at the meeting.

Reacting sharply to the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, Darbar Singh, the Dal Khalsa today lambasted the SAD leadership for “elevating a person to the highest religious post who stood discarded in the eyes of the Panth.

Takes charge

AMRITSAR, Dec 10 (PTI) — Giani Puran Singh, who was sacked as Jathedar, Akal Takht, by outgoing SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, today took over as Head Granthi, Golden Temple.