SGPC delegation meets Delhi Police chief, seeks filing of FIR against Atishi for ‘hurting’ Sikhs

A three-member delegation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha on Wednesday and demanded that an FIR be registered against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs through her “derogatory” remarks against Sikh gurus.

The delegation, led by SGPC senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, submitted a letter to Mr. Golchha seeking the registration of a case against the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly over remarks purportedly made in the House on January 6.

According to the letter, Ms. Atishi’s “deliberate” words had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs across the world. “At a time when the martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji is being commemorated, it is extremely unfortunate that an elected representative should use such language towards the Guru Sahiban,” read the letter.

The SGPC also demanded strict action against the former Delhi Chief Minister to prevent similar incidents in future.

‘Trivialises grave issues’

AAP rejected the demand raised by the delegation, terming it “baseless”, “politically motivated”, and a move that “trivialises genuinely grave issues” related to the dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib.

“It is unacceptable that while ordinary citizens are facing deadly violence, the police machinery appears selectively responsive. Maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the BJP-controlled Delhi Police, and public safety cannot be sidelined for political convenience,” read a statement issued by the Opposition party.

SGPC junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan, who was part of the delegation, said the comments attributed to Ms. Atishi have “badly hurt” the religious sentiments of Sikhs. He said such remarks reflect poorly on political leaders, especially when their party is in power in Punjab. “The teachings of the Sikh gurus have enlightened all of humanity. The Sikh community has always stood for brotherhood, rising above caste, creed, race, and differences,” he said.

Mr. Kalyan said the Delhi Police Commissioner responded positively to their representation and assured them that appropriate action would be taken after holding consultations with the authorities concerned. As of Wednesday, the Delhi police have not registered an FIR over the matter.

Ms. Atishi had denied the allegations during an interaction with mediapersons on Tuesday, claiming that charges levelled by the BJP were “false”. “For Sikh gurus, especially Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, my family and I have the utmost respect and reverence,” the AAP leader said.

She was responding to statements by BJP leaders, including Law Minister Kapil Mishra and Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, accusing her of using an “objectionable” word in the Assembly. The row erupted after a video clip of Ms. Atishi went viral.