SGPC appointed Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar, Giani Mal Singh passed away at Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Sohana Eye and Super Specialty Charitable Hospital, in Mohali on Tuesday afternoon.
He took over as Jathedar of the Takht four years ago on August 22, 2013.
Giani Mal Singh belonged to Tajoke village in Sangrur district, had undergone surgery for brain tumor last year and never recovered completely from the disease.
He was admitted again in the hospital on July 21, where he breathed his last around 2 pm today.
His cremation will be held tomorrow at 11 am in a ground near Takht Kesgarh Sahib, it was learnt.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and SGPC President Kirpal Singh Badungar expressed their condolences over the sad demise of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar.
Earlier, there were attempts in the SGPC to appoint an officiating Jathedar for Takht Kesgarh Sahib. However, the matter could not be placed into the agenda of the meeting of five Jathedars.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh also expressed profound grief over the sad demise. In a condolence message, the chief minister described Giani Mall Singh as a great Sikh scholar and a theologian, who was well versed with Gumat, Gurbani and Sikh tenets.
The SGPC offices and educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow.