The SGPC Scandal: A Betrayal of Trust and Sanctity

On December 7, 2025, police in Amritsar registered an FIR against 16 individuals, including former officials of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)

The discovery of 328 missing “saroops” of the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of the Sikh faith, has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and beyond. This unfolding scandal, which has led to the registration of an FIR against 16 SGPC officials, is not just about the loss of sacred texts, but a betrayal of the trust and sanctity that Sikhism holds dear. The unfolding investigation has raised critical questions about the governance of religious institutions, the accountability of their leaders, and the role of political influence in Sikh affairs.

The Crisis: A Breach of the Sacred Trust

The Guru Granth Sahib, revered by millions around the world, is not just a scripture but a living presence in the Sikh faith. Each "saroop" is meticulously handled, stored, and preserved with utmost reverence. The loss of 328 saroops from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which holds the responsibility of managing and preserving Sikh religious texts, marks a grave violation. These saroops were reportedly kept within the SGPC's publishing department, but were discovered missing after internal complaints and an inquiry by Akal Takht Sahib, the highest seat of Sikh authority.

The missing manuscripts, which were deemed critical, had disappeared under circumstances that have led to charges of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy. This is not merely a case of administrative failure; it is a direct assault on the integrity of the Sikh faith, as these texts are not just physical objects, but symbols of the divine that embody the essence of Sikh spirituality.

The Political Angle: A Deepening Divide

The crisis has taken on political overtones. The SGPC leadership has condemned the FIR registration, accusing the Punjab government of political interference in religious matters. SGPC officials assert that the matter was already addressed internally by Akal Takht in 2020, which had imposed disciplinary measures on those accused. They argue that the FIR undermines the autonomy of Sikh institutions, which, according to Sikh tradition, must remain independent from political control. This stance, however, seems to have deepened the rift between the SGPC and the Punjab state government, raising concerns about the role of political pressure in religious governance.

Sikh leaders are divided over the issue: some support the FIR, viewing it as a necessary step for ensuring accountability, while others see it as a politically motivated attack on religious institutions. The growing political tension complicates what should be a spiritual matter of accountability and transparency within Sikh institutions. The handling of this crisis will undoubtedly have significant implications for the relationship between Sikh religious bodies and the state.

The Institutional Failure: A Call for Reform

At the heart of this controversy lies an uncomfortable truth — the institutional failure of the SGPC, an organisation that wields considerable influence over Sikh affairs. The SGPC, established to safeguard Sikh religious and cultural heritage, has been entrusted with preserving the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib. Yet, it has become clear that the SGPC's internal systems for monitoring and safeguarding sacred texts were woefully inadequate. The breach raises questions not only about the administrative oversight of the SGPC but also about its transparency and the mechanisms in place for accountability.

The lack of a robust internal auditing system and the failure to ensure the security of these sacred scriptures has exposed the deep flaws in the governance structure of religious institutions. This scandal reveals a significant vulnerability within the Sikh community's organisational framework, one that needs urgent reform. It also highlights the dangers of an entrenched leadership that has grown too comfortable with its position, failing to adapt to the evolving demands of transparency and ethical governance in an increasingly scrutinised world.

The Sikh Community’s Response: A Matter of Faith

For Sikhs around the world, the loss of these saroops is not just a logistical issue; it is a matter of faith. The Guru Granth Sahib is central to Sikh identity and worship. The disappearance of sacred texts is akin to the desecration of a cherished icon, and the breach of trust by those entrusted with their preservation is a deeply painful experience for many. The anger and disillusionment felt by the Sikh community are palpable, as they demand justice, accountability, and a return to the core values of Sikhism: humility, service, and respect for the sacred.

While the Akal Takht Sahib, the spiritual authority of the Sikhs, had taken some initial steps to address the issue, including reprimanding those involved, the broader Sikh community demands that this crisis be resolved in a way that restores dignity and transparency to the institutions that claim to represent them. The call for greater oversight and reform within Sikh institutions is growing louder, as is the demand for justice for the betrayal of trust by those in power.

The Path Forward: Healing the Wounds

As investigations into the missing saroops continue, it is crucial that the Sikh community not only seeks justice for the wrongdoers but also looks inward at the systemic failures that allowed this scandal to occur. Reforms must be instituted at all levels of the SGPC to ensure that such negligence never happens again. This should include the introduction of independent audits, greater transparency in administrative processes, and a commitment to greater accountability, both to the community and to the ideals of Sikhism.

At the same time, Sikhs around the world must unite in their call for the protection of their spiritual heritage, even as they demand that the perpetrators of this breach face the full force of the law. The faith of the Sikh community rests on the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib, and it is the duty of all Sikhs to safeguard its integrity, ensuring that no such scandal ever threatens its legacy again.

The missing saroops scandal transcends a mere administrative oversight; it highlights deeper challenges within the governance of Sikh religious institutions. The situation calls for reflection, reform, and a renewed commitment to the core values that Sikhism embodies. Only through addressing these underlying issues can the Sikh community ensure that such breaches of trust are prevented, safeguarding the integrity of the faith and its institutions for generations to come.