This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs' response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4143, concerning the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections in Punjab, addressed on August 19, 2025.
The response outlines that the Sikh Gurdwaras Board Election Rules, 1959, empower the Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, to set election dates. The Gurdwara Election Commission, led by the Chief Commissioner, is the designated authority for conducting the elections.
The government states that it has initiated the election process, including notifying rules for appointing the Chief Commissioner of Gurdwara Elections and resolving related court cases. The Chief Commissioner has been appointed and has issued notifications to the relevant State Governments and the Chandigarh Administration to begin preparing electoral rolls according to Section 48 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
However, the response acknowledges that several cases challenging the preparation of electoral rolls and related issues have been filed in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, resulting in a stay order.
Key Entities Referenced
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee SGPC: A Sikh organisation responsible for managing Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) in India, primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the SGPC elections.
SHRI NITYANAND RAI: Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question regarding SGPC elections.
Sikh Gurdwaras Board Election Rules, 1959: The rules that govern the election process for the SGPC Board.
Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections: The designated authority responsible for conducting the SGPC elections.
Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925: The Act of legislation under which the SGPC was formed and its functions are defined
Punjab: A state in India where the SGPC elections are to be held.
High Court of Punjab and Haryana: The court where cases have been filed challenging the preparation of electoral rolls for SGPC elections.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4143
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19TH AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 28, 1947 (SAKA)
SGPC ELECTION
4143. SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has fixed any timeline for the conduct of
elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in the
State of Punjab;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including the date of notification;
(c) the designated authority responsible for conducting the elections and
the proposed schedule for completion of the electoral process;
(d) whether any date has been fixed and the reasons for the inordinate
delay in holding SGPC elections, particularly in light of the fact that the
last such elections were held in 2011; and
(e) whether the Government proposes any legislative or administrative
measures to ensure regular and timely elections to the SGPC, in keeping
with democratic principles and the religious rights of the Sikh community
and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) to (e): The Sikh Gurdwaras Board Election Rules, 1959, provides that
the Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections shall by notification fix the
date or dates for the various stages of elections to the SGPC Board,
including the date on which polling shall be held. The Gurdwara Election-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 4143 FOR 19.08.2025
Commission headed by Chief Commissioner Gurdwara Elections is the
designated authority for the conduct of elections.
The Government has commenced the election process. This was
done after notification of Rules for appointment of Chief Commissioner
Gurdwara Elections, and resolution in related matters in several court
cases filed by different petitioners.
Accordingly, the Government appointed a Chief Commissioner of
Gurdwara Elections who issued notification to State Governments of
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh
and Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, Chandigarh Administration to
start preparation of electoral rolls for SGPC elections for the constitution
of new Board of SGPC in accordance with Section 48 of the Sikh
Gurdwaras Act, 1925.
In the meanwhile, several cases have been filed in the Hon’ble High
Court of Punjab and Haryana challenging the preparation of electoral rolls
and other related issues. The Hon’ble High Court has ordered a stay in the
matter.
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