The Akal Takht has expelled Amarjit Singh Chawla, a senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), from the ‘Khalsa Panth’. This decision was made on Sunday in response to serious rape charges against him. The expulsion highlights the ongoing issues of accountability within community leadership structures.
The five Singh Sahibans at Sri Akal Takht Sahib have also expelled granthi Malkit Singh over charges levelled by the woman that he had sent inappropriate messages to her. The SGPC is the body that manages many Sikh shrines, while the five Singh Sahibans refers to the collective body of the five high-ranking Jathedars (priests). The decision was taken during an emergency meeting at the Akal Takht’s secretariat, with acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj announcing the decision. The Sikh community has also been directed not to maintain any association with him, while a complete ban has been imposed on his working in Sikh institutions for life. Granthi Malkit Singh was also expelled from the Khalsa Panth. A lifetime ban has also been imposed on him from working in Sikh institutions, and Sikh communities have been directed not to maintain association with him.
He said Amarjit Singh, who represents a Sikh institution, was expelled from the Khalsa Panth until he proves himself innocent and appears before Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Investigation Called for Amid Serious Allegations
Jathedar Gargajj has emphasized the gravity of the allegations against Chawla and Singh, highlighting the expectation for high standards of character among leaders within Sikh institutions. He clarified that both individuals must prove their innocence regarding the accusations.
The woman involved has approached the police, leading the Akal Takht to abstain from further involvement in the case. Although she briefly discussed her concerns with Jathedar Gargajj, she did not file a formal complaint with the Akal Takht. However, given the seriousness of the allegations, he instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to remove Singh from his duties.
Gargajj is advocating for an impartial investigation to ensure that no one is wrongfully accused and that justice is served appropriately.
