Controversy erupts in Surrey over 225 Sri Guru Sahib Saroops; Gurdwara Singh Sabha, BC Sikh leaders at odds
Hardam Maan
Surrey (Canada), July 29, 2026: A controversy has erupted in Surrey, British Columbia, over the handling and transportation of 225 saroops (authenticated copies) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji sent to Canada by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), with Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha and leaders of several BC Gurdwaras taking opposing positions.
In a statement, the management committee of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Surrey, described the protest held outside the gurdwara on July 19 as "unfortunate" and said it fully respects the directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on July 7, 2026.
According to the committee, a meeting was held on the morning of July 19 with three representatives of the BC Gurdwara Council, during which it was agreed that five granthis nominated by the council would be allowed to view five to seven saroops at 3 p.m. in the presence of council representatives, with the remaining saroops to be shown the following week. The committee alleged that despite this understanding, a protest was organised outside the gurdwara.
However, at a separate press conference held at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, Surrey-Delta, leaders representing BC Gurdwaras and members of the Sikh community raised concerns over the transportation and handling of the saroops.
Among those addressing the media were Giani Jaimal Singh, Bhai Hardeep Singh Nagra, Bhai Gagan Singh, Bhai Jasvir Singh, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Samra, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Hothi, Bhai Amandeep Singh Johal, Bhai Ranjit Singh Khalsa and Bhai Lakhwant Singh.
The leaders alleged that the saroops had been transported to Canada by sea in shipping containers, raising questions about whether proper religious protocol and respect were maintained. They also claimed they were not allowed to inspect the saroops and that other gurdwaras and management committees in British Columbia were not informed about their arrival.
They further said that questions submitted to the SGPC regarding the matter have yet to receive what they consider satisfactory answers. According to the leaders, these concerns prompted the congregation's visit to Gurdwara Singh Sabha on July 19 and the subsequent protest march.
The issue comes after Sri Akal Takht Sahib issued directions outlining the prescribed procedure for sending saroops abroad and appealed to the Sikh community to avoid creating confusion within the Panth. The SGPC has also responded through a video statement by its secretary, Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, explaining the committee's position.
Despite these clarifications, the BC Sikh leaders maintain that their concerns remain unresolved, keeping the controversy alive within the Sikh community in Canada