In a significant development, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, has issued a religious punishment (‘tankhah’) to former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. This action relates to alleged lapses during the SAD government’s tenure from 2007 to 2017, particularly regarding its handling of sacrilege incidents and a controversial pardon given to Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Punishment for Sukhbir Badal
The Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, announced the decision in Amritsar. Sukhbir Badal, currently recovering from a leg injury, has been instructed to undertake seva (voluntary service) at the Golden Temple and other Sikh religious institutions.
The directives include:
- Performing seva by cleaning utensils and shoes at the Golden Temple.
- Sitting dressed as a ‘sewadar’ outside the Golden Temple for one hour on two consecutive days.
- Serving for two days each at major Sikh Takhts, including Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
- Attending kirtan sessions (devotional hymns) as part of his penance.
Changes in SAD Leadership
In a separate directive, the Akal Takht ordered the Shiromani Akali Dal’s working committee to:
- Accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party president.
- Conduct internal elections within six months to appoint a new president and other office-bearers.
The Akal Takht also withdrew the honorary title ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’, which was awarded to Sukhbir’s late father and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Punishments for Other SAD Leaders
Several other Akali leaders who were part of the 2007–2017 cabinet were also penalized. They were directed to perform similar religious duties, including cleaning washrooms and utensils at the Golden Temple and attending kirtan sessions. Those named include:
- Sucha Singh Langah
- Hira Singh Gabria
- Balwinder Singh Bhundar
- Daljit Singh Cheema
- Gulzar Singh Ranike
Acknowledgment of Past Mistakes
Sukhbir Badal has publicly acknowledged mistakes made during his government’s tenure, including granting clemency to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief in a 2007 blasphemy case and failing to take effective action during the 2015 sacrilege incidents. These actions drew widespread criticism and eroded public trust in the SAD leadership.
Impact on Punjab’s Religious and Political Landscape
The Akal Takht’s decision reflects an effort to address longstanding grievances within the Sikh community and reaffirm the principles of accountability and justice. With the sacrilege controversies remaining a sensitive issue in Punjab, this move is likely to have significant political and religious implications, particularly as the state approaches a period of heightened electoral activity.
This development is seen as an effort to restore trust in the Sikh clergy and establish stronger checks on political leadership within the community.