Sukhbir Badal Directed To Perform Guard Duty, Clean Shoes At Golden Temple As Akal Takht Pronounces 'Tankhah'

The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht issued religious punishments to Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, for mistakes made during their tenure from 2007 to 2017.

Amritsar News: The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht on Monday pronounced 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other party leaders for mistakes committed during the SAD-led Punjab government from 2007 to 2017. The punishment includes performing voluntary service at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, cleaning utensils, shoes, and washrooms, and listening to devotional hymns.  

During a gathering at the Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh addressed the guilty Akalis, instructing them to wear plaques around their necks acknowledging their guilt.

Delivering the edict from the 'faseel' (podium) of the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, directed the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party president and form a committee to conduct elections for the post and other office-bearers within six months, news agency PTI reported.  

The Akal Takht also announced the withdrawal of the honorary title 'Fakhre-e-Qaum' (Pride of the Community) conferred on former Punjab Chief Minister and Sukhbir's father, the late Parkash Singh Badal, citing the party's failures during his tenure.  

Sukhbir Badal, who appeared in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, was instructed to sit outside the Golden Temple dressed as a 'sewadar' (volunteer) for one hour each day for two days. He was also asked to perform similar service at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib for two days each.  

Controversial Pardon Granted In 2007 To Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Accused Of Blasphemy

The Jathedar revealed that Sukhbir had admitted to the mistakes of the SAD government, including the controversial pardon granted in 2007 to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who faced a blasphemy case. This admission came nearly three months after Sukhbir was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct).  

Giani Raghbir Singh questioned Sukhbir regarding allegations of his "dubious role" in facilitating the pardon. The Takht demanded direct answers in "yes" or "no" from Sukhbir concerning his involvement in the controversial decisions.

Rebel leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, also pronounced guilty, received similar directives to perform service as a 'sewadar' at the Golden Temple and other Sikh shrines. Both leaders were asked to clean utensils and shoes of devotees for an hour, besides listening to 'kirtan' (devotional music).  

Other Senior Akali Dal Leaders Asked To Clean Golden Temple's Washrooms

The Jathedar also summoned several senior Akali leaders, including Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Gulzar Singh Ranike, to clean the Golden Temple's washrooms and later engage in community kitchen service. Leaders such as Bibi Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Adesh Partap Singh Kairon were also instructed to clean washrooms for an hour as part of their punishment.  

The directive followed the July 1 appearance of several Akali leaders before the Akal Takht, where they sought forgiveness for failures during the SAD government, including the handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the pardon of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.