Thenewsdose.com
Chandigarh,July5,2025,UPDATED:1.25PM
In a significant development with potential religious and political ramifications, Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Patna, one of the five supreme temporal seats of Sikhism, has declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal as “tankhaiya”—a term denoting guilt of religious misconduct—for repeatedly defying its summons.
Despite being served multiple notices, Badal did not present himself before the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones) of the Takht, who had directed him to appear and explain his alleged interference in the internal affairs of the historic Patna Sahib Takht. Instead, SAD functionaries conveyed that their party president would adhere only to the directives of the Akal Takht Jathedar, considered the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, located in Amritsar.
The controversy dates back to May 21, when the Panj Pyaras of Takht Patna Sahib summoned Sukhbir Badal and asked him to appear within ten days, accusing him of intervening in the Takht’s functioning. The summons followed strong reactions to decisions reportedly taken at the instance of senior SAD leadership, including the reinstatement of excommunicated former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar.
In the same directive, the Panj Pyaras had also declared three top Sikh religious heads as tankhaiya—namely, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib), and Baba Tek Singh (Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib)—for allegedly undermining the independent authority of the Patna Sahib Takht. Their actions included reinstating Giani Gauhar and summoning the Patna Sahib Takht Head Granthi and Additional Head Granthi to Amritsar without jurisdiction.
Citing ill health, Sukhbir Badal initially sought more time to comply. Taking a conciliatory stance, the Panj Pyaras at Patna Sahib granted him an additional 20 days in mid-June through a second hukamnama (edict), urging him once again to appear before them and explain his conduct.
However, with the extended deadline now elapsed and Badal still not appearing before the Takht, the Panj Pyaras have formally declared him tankhaiya, a label that in Sikh religious tradition requires the guilty to seek forgiveness and perform religious penance (sewa) to be reinstated in the community’s good standing.
The declaration adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions between different Sikh Takhts and the leadership of the SAD, a party long associated with Sikh religious institutions. It also raises concerns over the autonomy of regional Takhts and the overarching influence of the Akal Takht and its officiating leadership, especially in light of recent controversies over appointments and religious decisions.
