A group of Sikh representatives from several European countries has urged the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to reconsider the policy under which the SGPC retains exclusive authority to print sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The issue was discussed during a virtual meeting reportedly attended by nearly a dozen Sikh representatives. Participants from countries including Germany, Austria and Poland said established Sikh institutions overseas could develop suitable printing facilities while complying with Sikh Rehat Maryada and other religious protocols.
Their appeal follows a recent controversy surrounding the transportation of more than 200 sacred saroops to Canada. The representatives argued that long-distance transportation creates logistical and religious concerns, particularly as Sikh populations continue to grow across Europe and North America.
Some participants proposed that overseas printing should be permitted only at carefully approved facilities operating under clear supervision. Others said that if the SGPC remains solely responsible for printing and transportation, it should establish a dedicated system that fully respects the required Maryada.
These are recommendations from sections of the European Sikh community. The Akal Takht has not announced any revised directive, and the SGPC’s existing position remains unchanged.
