The Five High Priests headed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh this week pronounced ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Badal, former Akali ministers and the party’s core committee members holding them guilty of religious misconduct for taking controversial decisions during SAD’s tenure from 2007 to 2017, Tribune reported.
Giani Raghbir Singh addressed the ‘guilty’ Akalis from the podium of the Akal Takht, asking them to wear plaques around their necks with a message of their admittance of guilt.
The Akal Takht has also withdrawn the Fakhr-e-Qaum title, conferred on late Parkash Singh Badal, keeping in view that he was the state’s chief minister when the mistakes were committed that led to a dent to the Sikh Panth and its sentiments.
The Jathedar also directed the working committee of the SAD to accept the resignation of Sukhbir Badal as party chief and report back to the Akal Takht within three days.
The Jathedar also directed the working committee of the SAD to accept the resignation of Sukhbir Badal as party chief and report back to the Akal Takht within three days.
Sukhdev Dhindsa was also awarded a similar punishment owing to his old age and health concerns. They were also directed to perform sewa at Guru Ram Dass Jee Langar Hall.
Meanwhile, others were asked to clean up washrooms of the Golden Temple complex for an hour, followed by washing dishes and cleaning shoes of devotees for an hour each.
The Takht termed the ‘mistakes’ as sins, and asked Sukhbir to answer its queries, pertaining to controversial decisions taken during the party’s rule from 2007-2017, in either ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
The punishment stems from allegations that the Akali leadership maintained ties with Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim despite his excommunication by the Sikh community in 2007. Later, the leadership allegedly facilitated his pardon by the Akal Takht.
The party leadership also faced criticism for failing to address key panthic issues when they were in power between 2007 and 2017. These included incidents of sacrilege, and police firing at Kotkapura as well as the appointment of DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, who was accused of rights violations during the period of militancy in Punjab.
During the proceedings, Jathedar Raghbir Singh pointedly questioned Badal, often asking him to answer in yes or no when the latter tried to express his regrets at his actions. Badal admitted to inviting the then Akal Takht Jathedar to his residence before he granted a pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
Badal also clarified that the decisions were made without external pressure. He and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa admitted to their mistakes in response to the Jathedar’s queries.
The Akal Takht Sahib, as the supreme Sikh authority, holds the power to summon any Sikh for transgressions and impose religious punishments, known as Tankhah.
Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, said, “When the Akali Dal came to power, it was expected to heal the wounds of the Sikh community, but sadly, those wounds were deepened.”
BJP state president Sunil Jakhar welcomed the decision in a post on X. “The historic hearing held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib today has further elevated the stature of this premier institution of the Panth. The decision announced from Sri Akal Takht Sahib today has not only enhanced the respect for this institution but also instilled pride in the community, reaffirming that our Guru Sahiban established such a powerful and supreme authority to guide those straying from the Guru’s path back onto the righteous way,” he posted.
