The SGPC has sent a legal notice to social media giant X (formerly Twitter) asking X to deactivate and shut down a fake account in its name: @SGPCAmritsar_ with the SGPC logo. The apex Sikh body said on 12 Jan that it is concerned because spreading and encouraging hate propaganda against any religion or religious organization through parody accounts is a violation of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, 2001, and Information Technology Rules, 2021. Misinformation and false propaganda are as old as human history, parody accounts must be closed, but it is ironic that the apex body of a religion that holds sovereignty as a cardinal principle argues its case in terms of law within the context of a nation. SGPC has imposed a monetary penalty on an additional head granthi (reader of the Guru Granth Sahib) of Akal Takht and other supporting staff for negligence in performing their duties that led to chaos during Bandi Chhor Diwas (Free Prisoners Day) on 12 Nov. For context, on that day a group of Nihangs briefly gained access to the Akal Takht faseel (podium) and one Nihang took over the public address system to criticize the appointment of Jathedars. Meanwhile, frowning on the wearing of western clothes, the SGPC has implemented a dress code for granthis and raagis (who play sacred hymns) deputed in the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) and around 80 other Gurdwaras. The code is: traditional white churidaar kurta, pajamas, navy blue turban and a flowing beard.
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