The relationship between religious authority and political actions often presents complex ethical and moral dilemmas. In the context of Sikhism, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the organisation responsible for the management of Gurdwaras, have faced scrutiny regarding their stance on individuals implicated in crimes, violence, or acts connected to terrorism. Critics argue that through official statements, provision of financial assistance, bestowal of ceremonial honours, and the passing of formal resolutions, these prominent Sikh institutions have, at times, appeared to justify, support, or even glorify such individuals, raising concerns about the implications for justice, peace, and the rule of law.
This report meticulously details nine distinct incidents spanning from 2015 to 2025, where the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have been observed to justify, support, or glorify individuals implicated in crimes, violence, or acts associated with terrorism.
Akal Takht leader justifies murder of social media influencer
In a highly controversial statement on June 17, 2025, in Amritsar, Giani Malkit Singh, the chief granthi of Akal Takht Sahib, justified the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur. Addressing reporters after Kumari’s body was discovered on June 12, 2025, near Adesh Hospital in Bathinda, Giani Malkit Singh stated that “nothing wrong has happened” and that such treatment is justified for individuals who “defame Sikhism.” This statement was widely reported by ANI and circulated via an X (formerly Twitter) video post.
Akal Takht defends Amritpal, demands release
The Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, issued a strong condemnation of the National Security Act (NSA) extension on MP Amritpal Singh on April 20, 2025, in Amritsar. He characterised the extension as a “misuse of law and a violation of human rights.” Amritpal, who has been jailed since April 2023 under the NSA on accusations of promoting a radical pro-Khalistan ideology and attempting to incite unrest, had his detention extended. The Jathedar questioned the detention of an elected leader without trial and explicitly demanded the release of Amritpal and other Sikh prisoners, urging Sikh unity against such governmental actions, as reported by Punjab News Express.
SGPC chief condemns NSA extension on Amritpal Singh
In a parallel development, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on April 21, 2025, in Amritsar, condemned the Punjab government’s decision to extend MP Amritpal Singh’s detention under the NSA for another year. Dhami asserted that this move constituted a “violation of human rights” and argued that Amritpal had not committed any crime severe enough to warrant being labelled “anti-national.” He called for the immediate revocation of the NSA and demanded that Amritpal be afforded a fair judicial trial. Amritpal, arrested on April 23, 2023, for alleged pro-Khalistan activities, continues to be held in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam.
SGPC defends Bhindranwale, condemns Amit Shah’s remarks
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee issued a strong condemnation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, made in Parliament, deeming them “derogatory to the Sikh community.” The SGPC subsequently passed a resolution on March 29, 2025, declaring Bhindranwale a “national martyr” who had “sacrificed his life to protect Sikhism and its identity.” The committee further criticised Shah’s statement, which alluded to “some people trying to become Bhindranwale and reading the Guru Granth Sahib in Assam jail,” as an act of “hate-mongering” and an “insult to the holy text of Gurbani.” The SGPC urged the government to respect Sikh religious sentiments and refrain from making such controversial statements, as reported by India Today.
SGPC promotes Khalistani extremists as martyrs
During an event near the Golden Temple on July 13, 2024, organised by the SGPC and Dal Khalsa, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh called for the installation of portraits of wanted Khalistani extremists Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and Gajinder Singh in the Central Sikh Museum. Despite their known criminal backgrounds – Gajinder Singh’s involvement in a 1981 plane hijacking, Panjwar’s status as a top KCF commander, and Nijjar’s designation as a terrorist by India – Giani Raghbir Singh termed them “martyrs.” The event, attended by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and other radical Sikh leaders, drew significant criticism for allegedly glorifying separatist criminals, as reported by Organiser and Hindustan Times.
SGPC supports convicted criminals with aid and honour
The SGPC, on January 27, 2023, announced a monthly honorarium of Rs20,000 for nine Sikh prisoners who have been convicted of serious crimes, including terrorism and murder. Among the beneficiaries named were Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. In addition to financial aid, the SGPC proposed raising their cases at the UN and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), referring to these individuals as “Panthik Sevaks.” SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami characterised their prolonged imprisonment as a “human rights violation.” However, critics accused the SGPC of glorifying convicts and undermining the judicial system by presenting criminal acts as religious services.
SGPC to provide legal aid in Gurdwara murder case
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on May 16, 2023, announced its decision to provide legal assistance to Nirmaljit Singh, who was arrested for the fatal shooting of a woman inside Gurdwara Shri Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Patiala. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami justified this support by stating that the woman had “hurt Sikh religious sentiments” by allegedly consuming alcohol on the holy premises, and Nirmaljit’s actions were an “emotional reaction.” This stance by the SGPC, widely reported by The Hindu, Amar Ujala, and Organiser, indicates that SGPC members and religious figures are morally justifying a violent act in the name of religious conduct.
SGPC justifies pro-Khalistan slogans citing Supreme Court ruling
SGPC President Kirpal Singh Badungar, on November 9, 2017, publicly defended the right to raise pro-Khalistan slogans. He stated that “as per a Supreme Court ruling, there is nothing wrong in raising the demand for Khalistan,” a separate Sikh nation, and that “it is neither unconstitutional nor an offence.” By invoking this legal interpretation, Badungar justified Khalistan-related sentiments and compared the movement to other global separatist struggles. This statement, reported by Hindustan Times, signalled the SGPC’s indirect support for pro-Khalistani expressions under the guise of lawful dissent.
SGPC chief supported terrorist Waryam Singh’s release
SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar on June 30, 2015, met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to request the release or transfer of convicted Khalistani terrorist Waryam Singh, who had been serving a life sentence under TADA since 1990. During this period, Makkar also announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month to Waryam Singh’s family to support legal efforts for his release. This open endorsement of a convicted terrorist by the SGPC president drew serious criticism and was seen as an act promoting extremist sympathies under the guise of community support.
The complex interplay between religious authority and political action frequently leads to profound ethical and moral challenges. Within the Sikh context, the Akal Takht, as the paramount temporal authority, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, responsible for gurdwara administration, have increasingly drawn criticism for their approach to individuals involved in criminal, violent, or terror-linked activities. As highlighted, critics contend that through official pronouncements, financial aid, ceremonial accolades, and formal resolutions, these influential Sikh institutions have, on various occasions, seemingly justified, supported, or even valorised such individuals. This pattern of behaviour raises serious questions about its implications for maintaining justice, fostering societal peace, and upholding the rule of law. From a perspective prioritising national security and territorial integrity, such actions by religious bodies risk legitimising elements that challenge state authority and public order. This perceived endorsement of those implicated in serious offences undermines the judicial system and could inadvertently encourage radicalisation, posing a significant threat to the fabric of a stable and secure society.
