Deeply concerned at the possibility of Maryada violation by the security protocol of the high-level dignitaries to Takht Patna Sahib, former general secretary, legal advisor, and member-designate of the Sri Takht Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib Prabandhak Committee, Charanjeet Singh addresses an open letter to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on the eve of his visit to the Takht Patna Sahib-the birthplace of Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Through this missive, he extends a respectful invitation to Prime Minister Modi but also seeks to engage him in addressing pivotal issues that affect the governance of Sikh religious institutions and the broader sentiments of the Sikh community. WSN reports.

CHARANJEET SINGH -A VETERAN OF TAKHT PATNA SAHIB AFFAIRS, a septuagenarian devout religious activist, who wields respect amongst the Sikh Sangat in Patna, raises poignant concerns about the Sikh Sangat in Patna and around.  He cautions that there should be no forcible removal of Sikh Sangat from Darbar Sahib as it happened during the visit of the Indian President in October 2023. The Sikh Sangat in Patna had petitioned the Akal Takht over the Maryada violations then and were deeply perturbed at the behaviour of the Takht Management Committee. He expresses worries about undemocratic intervention at administrative and judicial levels and the need for reform of the constitution of the Takht Patna Sahib Committee, the blatant interference of the Maharashtra government attempting control of Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded and the decades-old question of the need for amendment of Article 25(b) of the Indian Constitution to establish the distinct identity of the Sikhs. Here is the letter verbatim.

Respected Shri Narendra Modi Ji,

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

I learn that you are visiting Takht Patna Sahib, the historical birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 13 May and as a member of the Sikh Sangat, I welcome you very warmly.

Takht Patna Sahib holds immense significance not only as a center of the Sikh faith but also as a symbol of the enduring spirit and resilience of the Sikh community. As we prepare to receive you, we are hopeful that the presence of your esteemed self will enable us to echo the sentiments of the Sikh Sangat here in Patna.

During the recent visit of the Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in October 2023, we encountered certain challenges regarding the interaction of the Sangat with our Darbar Sahib due to security measures. We respectfully request that such scenarios are not repeated, ensuring that the sanctity and accessibility of our Darbar Sahib remains unimpeded during your visit. In keeping with our tradition and customs, the Sangat will freely partake in the spiritual ambiance of Takht Patna Sahib without any constraints.

We request that the sanctity and accessibility of our Darbar Sahib remain unimpeded during your visit. The Sangat will freely partake in the spiritual ambiance of Takht Patna Sahib without any constraints.

Moreover, we wish to bring to your attention some pressing issues concerning the governance and management of the Takht.

A recurring pattern of administrative and judicial interventions and delays has significantly hampered our electoral and administrative efforts. Such intrusions manifest in delayed elections and other management complications, which undermine the autonomy of our religious institution.

A recurring pattern of administrative and judicial interventions and delays has significantly hampered the electoral and administrative efforts at Takht Patna Sahib. Such intrusions manifest in delayed elections and other management complications, which undermine the autonomy of our religious institution.

A similar situation prevails in Takht Hazur Sahib Nanded. Unnecessary intervention by the Government of Maharashtra to force undemocratic new legislation has posed serious obstacles to the smooth management of the Takht Hazur Sahib Committee. The Sikh Sangat in Patna and Nanded stand at the threshold of an agitation to restore their rights.

The Sikh Sangat in Patna and Nanded stand at the threshold of an agitation to restore their rights.

Additionally, we earnestly seek an amendment to Article 25(b) of the Indian Constitution. Sikhism must be recognized as an independent religion, distinct and separate, which will reinforce our identity and the respect due to it.

Furthermore, the Government of Bihar must adhere to the directives of the Supreme Court of India to enact fresh legislation tailored to the governance of the Takht Patna Sahib Committee. We propose that this new legislation be comprehensive, addressing the needs of Sikhs, not just in Bihar but across eastern India.

The government of India and Bihar must work for a new legislation for the management of Takht Patna Sahib, which should be comprehensive and address the needs of Sikhs, not just in Bihar but across Eastern India.

As we stand at this juncture, for respect of Sikh rights and sentiments, concrete actions that reflect a genuine acknowledgment and support for our community’s aspirations are essential for fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.

We trust that your leadership will guide these changes, ensuring that our heritage and rights are preserved and promoted. We look forward to your visit with optimism and the hope that it starts a positive dialogue and actionable outcomes beneficial to the Sikh community.

Thank you for your attention.

Warm regards,

Charanjeet Singh
Member and Chief Legal Adviser,
Former General Secretary
Takht Patna Sahib Prabandhak Committee
Patna, Bihar