Shiromanī Gurdwārā Prabaṅdhak Committee

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) is an elected body that manages Sikh gurdwaras, which are places of worship in Sikhism. This organization was established through the Sikh Gurdwara Act of 1925. The act aimed to resolve a controversy where hereditary caretakers, known as mahants, had taken control of some gurdwaras and their associated lands and funds, sometimes diverting revenues for personal use. The SGPC's formation returned control of these historically important gurdwaras to the Sikh community, ensuring that religious property is used for religious purposes and that regular Sikh worship is maintained. Gurdwaras typically house a copy of the sacred scripture of Sikhism, the Adi Granth, and serve as centers for congregational activities, including devotional services, ceremonies, and communal dining in a langar.12