A major change at Sri Darbar Sahib as Giani Raghubir Singh steps aside and Giani Amarjit Singh becomes the new Head Granthi amid rising SGPC tensions.

There has been a major administrative shift in Sri Darbar Sahib ‘s management. Giani Raghubir Singh, the Head Granthi of Darbar Sahib, has taken a lengthy leave of absence, according to confirmation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Giani Amarjit Singh has been named the next Head Granthi in his place. Since Head Granthi is regarded as one of the most prominent and important religious positions in Darbar Sahib, this choice is a hotly debated subject among Sikhs.

This shift coincides with the SGPC’s rising discontent with Giani Raghubir Singh’s leadership. He was removed from his role as the Akal Takht’s Jathedar by the SGPC in March 2025, and Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj was named the new acting Jathedar. According to the SGPC, the choice was made in compliance with organizational discipline and the Panthic Maryada, or religious code.

However, a number of Sikh and Panthic organizations criticized the decision to remove him as Jathedar. Some organizations said the action was motivated by political pressure and went against the Sikh Sangat’s beliefs. Tension between the SGPC and other Panthic factions resulted from the issue’s extensive discussion across media platforms.

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At the time, Raghujit Singh, senior vice-president of the SGPC, said that Sikh identity was being pushed both domestically and internationally and that the Panth was currently dealing with significant difficulties. He went on to say that adversaries are trying to undermine Sikh institutions, and the Jathedar’s duty becomes very important during this delicate period. He said that Giani Raghubir Singh did not successfully carry out these duties.

The SGPC also noted that Giani Raghubir Singh had repeatedly altered his statements, casting doubt on his ability to govern. The committee claimed that his method did not respect the dignity of the esteemed position of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The committee’s decision to dismiss him was heavily motivated by their displeasure with his silence and inaction on a number of important issues affecting the Panth.

It is believed that Giani Amarjit Singh’s appointment and his extended leave from his position as Head Granthi represent the next phase of SGPC’s administrative reorganization. The SGPC has made it clear that it intends to uphold order and discipline in the Darbar Sahib religious rituals and maryada with this new appointment. Giani Amarjit Singh is now held to high standards by the Sikh Sangat, and everyone will be watching how he performs in the days ahead.