The Sikh clergy on the Akal Takht issued a non secular punishment (often known as ‘tankhah’) for Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday. This determination was made in response to the alleged errors dedicated by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its authorities in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
Sukhbir Badal was directed to carry out the position of a ‘sewadar’ and clear utensils and sneakers on the Golden Temple in Amritsar as a part of his punishment.
Punishments for Sukhbir Badal
The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, delivered the decision from the ‘faseel’ (podium) in Amritsar. As a part of the ‘tankhah’, Sukhbir Badal, who was in a wheelchair attributable to a fractured leg, together with insurgent chief Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, was instructed to sit down exterior the Golden Temple dressed as a ‘sewadar’ for one hour on every of two consecutive days.
Moreover, they had been ordered to serve at distinguished Sikh Takhts, together with Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib, for 2 days every.
They had been additionally to scrub utensils and sneakers on the Golden Temple for one hour, along with listening to ‘kirtan’ (Sikh hymns) throughout their penance.
Resignation and Management Adjustments in SAD
Along with the spiritual punishment, Giani Raghbir Singh directed the working committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to just accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as celebration president. The committee was additionally instructed to prepare elections for the publish of SAD president and different office-bearers throughout the subsequent six months.
The Akal Takht Jathedar additionally introduced the revocation of the ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’ title that had been bestowed upon Sukhbir Badal’s late father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. This title was taken away as a part of the broader response to the errors dedicated by the SAD authorities throughout its tenure.
Spiritual Punishment for Different Sikh Leaders
The Akal Takht’s spiritual punishment was not restricted to Sukhbir Badal. Different Sikh leaders who served as ministers within the Akali Cupboard between 2007 and 2017 had been additionally penalized.
These included leaders equivalent to Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Gulzar Singh Ranike.
As a part of their punishment, they had been instructed to scrub washrooms on the Golden Temple for one hour, adopted by cleansing utensils on the group kitchen. They had been additionally required to take heed to ‘kirtan’ for one hour.
Sikh Leaders Admit to Errors
Earlier than the decision was pronounced, Sukhbir Badal acknowledged the errors made throughout the SAD regime, which included pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case.
This act had brought about important controversy and was one of many key causes for the spiritual punishment. The choice to punish Badal got here three months after he was declared ‘tankhaiya’ for spiritual misconduct by the Akal Takht.
Insurgent leaders equivalent to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and others, together with Bibi Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Surjit Singh Rakhra, had been additionally penalized. They had been directed to scrub washrooms on the Golden Temple for one hour, adopted by cleansing utensils.
These leaders had sought forgiveness from the Akal Takht for his or her position within the errors made throughout the SAD rule.
Context Behind the Punishment
The spiritual punishment for Sukhbir Badal and different Sikh leaders comes after a collection of blunders throughout the SAD authorities between 2007 and 2017. These included the failure to take motion on the 2015 sacrilege incidents, in addition to the controversial pardoning of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
The Akal Takht’s pronouncement of ‘tankhah’ was a response to the perceived misdeeds and to revive spiritual order throughout the group.
With Iputs From PTI
