The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today said former Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar – Raghbir Singh had violated the ‘hukamnama’ of the Takht not to use any proceedings of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs in court related cases.
Addressing a press conference here, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler said former Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had given an edict that the proceedings of the Takht should not be presented as evidence in courts.
“Strict directions had been given to the Sikh sangat to ensure this was followed in letter and spirit”.Dr Daljit Cheema said it was condemnable that Giani Raghbir Singh had become a stooge of the Aam Aadmi Party and had gone to the extent of presenting himself before a SIT in relation with the deposition given by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to the Takht.
“Giani Raghbir Singh has in the process of recording his statement before the SIT not only insulted his own decision but also the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community. Such a thing has never happened in the history of the State and is highly condemnable”.
Dr Cheema also pointed out that the former Jathedar had not only announced the religious punishment to the SAD leadership but also announced that they had become free after the completion of the religious punishment. “By raking up this issue again and politicizing a religious issue in collusion with AAP – Giani Raghbir Singh has violated the ‘maryada’ of the Takht.
This does not behove a former Jathedar and also damages the prestige of the institution”. He also urged Sri Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to take strong notice of the entire incident including the violation of Sikh ‘maryada’ and take action in the case.
Mr Arshdeep Kler said AAP was using the former Takht Jathedar to divert the attention of the people from emergent issues facing the State. “An attempt is being made to politicize the issue of sacrilege in the run up to the 2027 elections”.
He also pointed out that the government was being pulled up in court as to why investigation was pending in the Kotkapura police firing when all ‘challans’ had been submitted. The court is asking for a status report on the pending probe by July 18 which is the reason a new conspiracy is being hatched to keep the case alive”, Kler added.