CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Takht Patna Sahib, one of the five supreme temporal seats of Sikhs, due to his failure to appear before it and for allegedly undermining its authority.
This has further escalated tensions, with the Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhs) subsequently declaring three members of the Takht Patna Sahib "tankhaiya", underscoring the ongoing friction between various Takhts and the political leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Sources said the decision came after Sukhbir Badal failed to appear before the Takht despite being summoned twice. He had been called to present himself before the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones) following allegations regarding his support of individuals found guilty of violating a 'hukamnama' (religious edict).
The Akal Takht had also declared its officiating Jathedar and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, along with Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, as "tankhaiya" for reinstating former excommunicated Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar. They had also summoned the Takht Head Granthi, Additional Head Granthi, and others to the Akal Takht.
While making this announcement, Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh said, "This action has been taken in light of events that began on May 21, when unauthorized and unconstitutional interference was carried out by the Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, challenging the established norms, constitution, and authority of Takht Patna Sahib. Sukhbir Badal was involved in influencing and interfering in the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib, particularly during a series of controversial decisions surrounding the status of former Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar."
Despite repeated summons, Badal did not appear before the Panj Pyaras at the Takht Patna Sahib. Citing ill health, he sought more time, after which the Takht in mid-June issued a fresh edict granting him twenty more days to appear.
"Badal was given two opportunities to appear and present his position, but he failed to do so. Even after an extension of twenty days reportedly granted at the request of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Badal did not comply. By repeatedly ignoring the summons and undermining the authority of Takht Patna Sahib, Badal has violated the religious code. As a result, he is hereby declared tankhaiya," Giani Baldev Singh said.
However, party leaders maintained that Badal would follow the directions of the Akal Takht Jathedar in religious matters.
Reacting to the development, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said it was an act beyond the jurisdiction of Takht Patna Sahib and one that creates confusion within the Panth (Sikh community). He added that the traditions and customs of the Khalsa Panth are meant to resolve community issues, not to create crises.
"Undermining the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib is inappropriate and such actions could lead to internal discord within the Sikh community. While Takht Patna Sahib holds great respect within the Sikh world, the authority to deliberate on Panthic matters lies solely with Akal Takht," Dhami said.
He warned that if the supremacy of Akal Takht is challenged by other Takhts, it would severely damage the essence and richness of Sikh traditions.
In August last year, the Akal Takht had declared Badal a 'tankhaiya' for certain decisions taken during his tenure as Punjab deputy chief minister from 2007 to 2017. He was later awarded religious punishment by the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht and directed to wash utensils, clean shoes, and bathrooms as atonement. In December last year, there was an attempt on his life at the main entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he was performing the religious punishment ordered by the Akal Takht.
Following the recent developments, a crucial gathering of Sikh clergy took place at the Akal Takht Secretariat to discuss the edict issued by Takht Patna Sahib. The gathering termed it a blatant violation of the supremacy of the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat.
A resolution was passed stating that the final authority on Panthic (community-wide) religious matters rests solely with the Akal Takht. It was emphasized that while each Takht may manage its own local affairs, any collective religious directive must align with the decisions of the Akal Takht. The clergy announced that attempts by individuals or groups, allegedly under the influence of anti-Panthic forces, to divide the Khalsa Panth or undermine the Akal Takht’s sovereignty would not be tolerated.
Citing the recent controversial actions of the Panj Pyaras of Takht Patna Sahib, the clergy said these decisions were ideologically flawed and beyond their jurisdiction, and therefore, completely rejected.
Gurdial Singh, Additional Head Granthi at Takht Patna Sahib, has also been declared tankhaiya for his continued role in sowing discord and violating the directives of the Akal Takht. He has been directed to personally appear before the Akal Takht to seek forgiveness.
Two members of the Takht Patna Sahib management committee, Harpal Singh and Gurmeet Singh, have also been declared tankhaiyas for engaging in campaigns and conspiracies that challenge the sanctity of the Akal Takht. Both have been instructed to personally appear before the Akal Takht and seek forgiveness, failing which the Sikh community has been urged to socially and religiously boycott them.
Finally, the management committee members of Takht Patna Sahib, including President Jagjot Singh Sohi, Senior Vice President Lakhwinder Singh, Junior Vice President Gurvinder Singh, General Secretary Inderjeet Singh, Secretary Harbans Singh, and members Gobind Singh Longowal, Raja Singh, and Mahinderpal Singh, have been given fifteen days to present their stance before the Akal Takht. If they fail to comply, strict action will follow as per Panthic traditions.