India, March 12 -- The recent summary removal of jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib by the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has sparked a significant controversy within Panthic circles. What makes this decision particularly contentious is that the criticism is not limited to the usual detractors of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Key Sikh institutions, such as the Damdami Taksal and the Budha Dal, have strongly opposed not just the removal but also the manner in which the new jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, was anointed in the early hours of March 10. The breach of maryada (religious protocol) has further compounded the controversy, raising fundamental questions about the...