Sukhbir Singh Badal Declared ‘Tankhaiya’ by Akal Takht

In a landmark decision, the Akal Takht—the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority—removed Sukhbir Singh Badal as president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). This punishment comes after holding him guilty of actions deemed against Sikh interests. Sukhbir is accused of decisions that tarnished the Sikh community’s image during his tenure as deputy CM and SAD president.

The Akal Takht also stripped the late Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir’s father, of the honorary title Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum. This marks a rare instance of posthumous accountability for “anti-Sikh” decisions during his time as Punjab CM.

Unique Punishment for ‘Sins’

As atonement, Sukhbir must serve as a guard at the Golden Temple’s main gate for one hour on December 3 and 4. During this time, he will wear ceremonial attire, hold a spear, and display a board labeling him a “sinner.” Similar service will follow at four other gurdwaras, including Keshgarh Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib.

The punishment, initially requiring him to clean toilets, was altered considering his recent leg fracture. Other senior SAD leaders, including Balwinder Singh Bhunder, will clean toilets at the Golden Temple and perform additional community service as directed.

SAD Leadership Reshuffled

Akal Takht also handed interim leadership of SAD to a six-member committee led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. The committee will oversee a new membership drive and facilitate the election of a new president.

Sukhbir’s resignation, submitted a day before being declared tankhaiya, remains under review by the SAD working committee. The Akal Takht has demanded swift action on this matter.

Allegations Against Sukhbir Badal

Sukhbir’s tenure was marred by controversial decisions, including:

• Failure to apprehend culprits in the 2015 sacrilege incidents.
• Facilitating a pardon for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
• Misusing Golden Temple donations for advertisements supporting questionable decisions.

Acknowledging these allegations, Sukhbir admitted to his mistakes and apologized to the Sikh community during a July 15 hearing.

Broader Repercussions

Six other Akali leaders were also penalized for their roles in these decisions. While some will clean toilets, others are tasked with returning misused donations with interest. SAD workers were further instructed to plant 1.25 lakh saplings across Punjab by April 2025.

Restoring Accountability in Sikh Leadership

The Akal Takht jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, emphasized that these decisions aim to restore faith in Sikh institutions. “The Akali Dal has failed the Sikh community for years, prioritizing political gains over religious integrity,” he said.

The Road Ahead for SAD

With the SAD’s credibility at stake, the Akal Takht’s actions mark a turning point. The party faces the dual challenge of regaining public trust and aligning with Sikh values.

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