In a significant decision by Sikhism’s apex governing body, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal was pronounced tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) and sentenced to punishment according to his actions. The punishment, aimed at upholding Sikh principles of humility and service, was announced by the Five High Priests (Panj Singh Sahiban), led by Akal Takht Chief Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.
The verdict follows Sukhbir Singh Badal’s acknowledgment of past missteps, including decisions made during the SAD government (2007-2017). Among the admissions were the controversial pardon granted to Sirsa Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case, the promotion of police officers involved in violence against protesting Sikhs, and advertisements publicizing Ram Rahim’s apology.
The Religious Punishment
Sukhbir Singh Badal was directed to serve as a sewadar (volunteer) at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Wearing the traditional sewadar chola and carrying a spear (barchha), he must sit at the temple entrance from 9 AM to 10 AM, perform sewa (service) in Langar halls, and clean the premises, including toilets, for two days at the Takhts in Punjab as part of his atonement. These include Gurudwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo and Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar.
Additionally, several other SAD leaders, including Sukhdev Dhindsa, Gulzar Singh Ranike, and Bikram Singh Majithia, have been ordered to serve in local gurudwaras. They are required to polish pilgrims’ shoes, wash utensils, and listen to kirtan (devotional hymns) as part of their tankhaiya (debt). A public plaque identifying them as tankhaiya will be displayed during their service.
Additionally, the Akal Takht also revoked the Faqr-e-Qaum (Pride of the Nation) award given to former Punjab CM, the late Prakash Singh Badal, in light of the allegations and the actions taken during the party’s tenure.
Accountability for the Past
The clergy also addressed financial discrepancies, directing SAD leaders, including Ranike and others, to repay ₹90 lakh misused from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) funds. The Five High Priests withdrew privileges previously granted to former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, citing his collusion in the controversial pardon to Ram Rahim.
Moreover, Giani Raghbir Singh has warned against public defamation of religious authorities, particularly actions like those of Virsa Singh Valtoha, who has criticized the Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on social media.
Background of the Misconduct
The decision reflects the Sikh community’s ongoing reckoning with incidents of sacrilege and violence that deeply scarred Punjab. In 2015, torn pages of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, were discovered in Bargari village, leading to widespread protests. Police firing on October 14, 2015, killed two Sikh men, Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Gurjeet Singh, during demonstrations in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura. These events, coupled with inadequate government response, fueled anger among the Sikh populace.
Similar sacrilege incidents in 2018 further underscored the need for accountability. Amid protests, many accused the SAD government of negligence and complicity in mishandling these cases.
Call for Introspection and Unity
The clergy emphasized the need for SAD leaders to abandon arrogance (haume) and work toward the solidarity of the party and the Sikh community. The punishment reflects a broader effort to instill humility and ensure justice within the Sikh framework of governance.
The Akal Takht’s verdict goes beyond individual punishment, signaling a broader critique of SAD’s political and moral failures. Reflecting on the party’s trajectory since 1997, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh asserted that SAD leadership has lost its moral authority to guide the Sikh community. He criticized its failure to:
- Secure justice for victims of post-1984 atrocities.
- Protect the Sikh Panth from the rising influence of Deravad (sects deviating from Sikhism).
- Safeguard the sanctity of Sikh institutions, including the Akal Takht, SGPC, and SAD itself.
To restore faith in the party, the Five High Priests have ordered a complete reorganization of the Shiromani Akali Dal. A committee has been constituted to oversee this process, emphasizing transparent recruitment of members using Aadhaar verification. Elections for SAD’s president and office-bearers must be conducted within six months under the party’s constitution. The Jathedar stressed the need for genuine representation and a leadership that aligns with Sikh values.
Accountability for Past Actions
The clergy also addressed the controversial 2015 pardon granted to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a decision that deeply fractured the Sikh community. Former Jathedars Giani Gurbachan Singh and Giani Gurmukh Singh have been directed to provide satisfactory explanations for their roles in this decision. Sukhbir Singh Badal admitted to influencing their actions, further highlighting the erosion of the integrity of Sikh institutions during his tenure.
The clergy emphasized the need for SAD leaders to abandon arrogance (haume) and work towards the solidarity of the Sikh Panth. The punishment and mandated reforms are seen as steps to realign the party with Sikh values and restore its moral standing.
As Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders perform their tankhah (penance), the Sikh community remains hopeful that this moment of accountability will lead to a revitalized Shiromani Akali Dal committed to justice, humility, and service.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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