The Akal Takht has declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal guilty of “religious misconduct”. The decision is based on actions and decisions made by Badal during his tenure as the deputy chief minister and SAD president from 2007 to 2017, which the Akal Takht deems to have harmed the interests of the Sikh community.
The Akal Takht’s Jathedar, Gyani Raghbir Singh, announced that Badal has been declared ‘tankhaiya”, a term used for someone who has breached religious norms. The Jathedar stated that Badal will remain classified as “tankhaiya” until he appears before the Akal Takht with the Guru Granth Sahib to seek forgiveness for his transgressions.
Additionally, Giani Raghbir Singh mandated that all Sikh ministers who were part of the Akali cabinet during this period must also appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days to provide written explanations for their conduct.
In response, Badal issued an “unconditional apology” for the “mistakes” made during the Akali Dal’s rule in Punjab. In his apology, Badal emphasised his role as a “humble servant” of the Guru, expressing devotion to both Guru Granth Sahib and the Akal Takht. His explanation was presented on July 24.
The Akal Takht designates individuals as “tankhaiya” for significant religious transgressions. This designation, reserved for Sikhs, entails specific penalties such as performing tasks like washing utensils, cleaning shoes, and undertaking maintenance work in gurdwaras. Those who do not comply with these requirements face religious ostracism, which includes being barred from entering gurdwaras and participating in religious ceremonies.
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