Monsoon Session: Government Kicks Off SGPC Election Process
SGPC election process begins despite legal challenges in court.
The Indian government has initiated the election process for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a key body responsible for managing Sikh gurdwaras, as announced in the Lok Sabha on August 19, 2025. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that the process has commenced, but it faces hurdles due to multiple legal challenges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These cases, which question the preparation of electoral rolls and related issues, have led to a court-ordered stay, complicating the timeline for the elections.
The SGPC, established under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the administration of Sikh religious institutions across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. The election process was set in motion following the notification of the Sikh Gurdwaras Board Election Rules, 1959, and the resolution of several court cases filed by various petitioners. The rules empower the Chief Commissioner of Gurdwara Elections to set dates for different stages of the election, including polling day, as outlined in Section 48 of the Act.
To facilitate the elections, the government has appointed a Chief Commissioner for Gurdwara Elections, who has issued notifications to the state governments of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, as well as the administrator of Chandigarh. These notifications direct the authorities to begin preparing electoral rolls for constituting a new SGPC board. The Gurdwara Election Commission, led by the Chief Commissioner, is tasked with overseeing the entire electoral process to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
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Despite the proactive steps, the ongoing litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court poses a significant challenge. The cases highlight disputes over voter list preparation and other procedural matters, which could delay the formation of the new SGPC board. The government remains committed to resolving these issues while adhering to the court’s directives, aiming to uphold the democratic process for the Sikh community’s apex religious body. As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring a transparent and fair election to strengthen the SGPC’s role in serving the Sikh community.
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