Takht Sri Patna Sahib ex-Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh punished for not complying with Akal Takht orders
Amritsar, July 15
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh pronounced religious punishments and issued directions to curb sacrilege incidents and save environment after the meeting of five high priests at the Akal Takht Secretariat here today.
The five high priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar, included Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, Golden Temple head granthi Giani Baljeet Singh, and one of the Akal Takht’s ‘panj payare’ (five beloved ones of Guru) Mangal Singh. After the meeting, the Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh announced religious punishment in various cases from the ‘faseel’ of Akal Takht.
Former Jathedar of Takht Sri Patna Sahib’s, Giani Iqbal Singh, and nominated member of Indore’s Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Jagjit Singh, both present in person, were punished for not complying with Akal Takht directions. They were directed to recite ‘nitnem’ for 11 days, besides reciting Japji Sahib and one hour kirtan. They have also been directed to perform ‘sewa’ of cleaning dishes at the langar hall.
In another case, five officials of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Management, Guru Nanak Nagar, Jammu and Kashmir, were sought to submit their written explanation for violating Akal Takht orders by organising kirtan of former ragi Prof Darshan Singh.
The five high priests also confer upon a special title of ‘Panth Sewak’ to Baba Daya Singh, head of Dal Baba Bidi Chand Jee, Chalda Vaheer Chakravarty Nihang Singhs, headquartered at Tarn Taran, keeping in view his services.
Meanwhile, to curb the incidents of sacrilege incidents in gurdwaras, the Sikh high priests ordered that the duty of sevadars should be ensured round-the-clock on rotational basis in every gurdwara. In case of any lapse, the respective gurdwara management committee would be liable to face stern action.
In view of global warming, it was ordered that every Sikh in his life span should plant at least one sapling and water should be conserved so that the environment could be protected.
