CHANDIGARH: Taking up a petition filed by Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh challenging his removal from the post, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday asked Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) to hand over Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh’s appointment letter issued in 2003.
The SGPC had removed Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh from the post of Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib on January 17.
He was removed by a majority vote amid opposition from some members of the executive committee. According to the SGPC, he was relieved of his duties for creating confusion and division in the Sikh community, disobeying orders of Akal Takht, causing a tussle between Takhts and disrespecting Guru Granth Sahib.
Challenging his removal, Nandagarh has argued in his petition that the SGPC resolution regarding his removal should be quashed and his services as jathedar be restored. According to Jathedar Nandgarh, the SGPC had not issued any notice to him before his removal.
He was removed from the post following the controversy over Nanakshahi calendar.
As the case came up for hearing, the Bench was told that the copy of the appointment letter was not readily available.