Sunny Khurma
Cheif Editor
Jalandhar, October 2, 2026: A group of Sikh organisations has demanded the resignation of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami amid continuing controversy surrounding the criminal case registered against former SGPC member and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Amarjit Singh Chawla.
The demand was raised during a press conference held in Jalandhar on Friday, where representatives of Sikh organisations questioned the SGPC leadership’s handling of the matter and called for an investigation that they said should be independent of the existing SGPC structure.
The case relates to a complaint filed by a Bahrain-based woman. An FIR was registered against Chawla on August 21 over allegations including sexual assault, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established by a court. Chawla has denied the accusations and claimed that he has been falsely implicated.
At the Jalandhar press conference, representatives said they intend to approach Sri Akal Takht Sahib on October 18 and submit a written memorandum seeking intervention in the matter.
Their demands include Dhami’s resignation and the formation of an independent inquiry panel headed by a retired High Court judge. The organisations said serving SGPC office-bearers or members should not be part of such a committee if the purpose is to examine the institution’s handling of the case.
The organisations also questioned arrangements reportedly made for the complainant during her stay at SGPC-managed facilities in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Questions have been raised over her accommodation, transportation and other assistance allegedly provided during that period. Investigators are examining who authorised these arrangements and whether any institutional resources were improperly used.
Another issue raised during the press conference concerned an alleged transfer of ₹1 lakh connected with SGPC-related accounts. The Sikh representatives demanded that the transaction be examined independently to establish its purpose, source and authorisation.
The organisations said their concerns go beyond the allegations against one individual and relate to transparency and accountability within Sikh institutions.
They argued that any inquiry should establish not only what happened in the criminal case but also whether SGPC officials or employees followed proper procedures while providing facilities and assistance connected with the complainant.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has meanwhile called for the Punjab government to transfer the criminal investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, saying an impartial probe should examine every aspect of the case.
The SGPC has also constituted an internal sub-committee to examine the administrative side of the controversy and was tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days.
The controversy has widened in recent weeks, drawing responses from Sikh religious bodies, political leaders and SGPC members.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib has already taken religious action against Amarjit Singh Chawla, while the criminal investigation by Punjab Police continues separately.
With Sikh organisations now setting October 18 as the date for submitting their memorandum to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, attention is likely to remain focused on the SGPC leadership’s response, the progress of the police investigation and the findings of the internal inquiry.
For now, the allegations against Chawla and questions raised about the role of other individuals remain matters under investigation and should not be treated as established findings until the legal and inquiry processes are complete.
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