Amritsar, 5 July — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by Takht Sri Patna Sahib for failing to respond to repeated summons from the Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones) over allegations of interference in the Takht’s functioning.
The decision follows Badal’s continued absence despite multiple deadlines set by the Bihar-based Takht. “He was granted ample time but did not present himself. The Panj Pyaras have now declared him tankhaiya,” said a Takht official.
On May 21, the Panj Pyaras had issued a 10-day summons to Badal, accusing him of meddling in religious matters concerning Takht Patna Sahib. His non-appearance was seen as disregard for the authority of the Panj Pyaras. While Badal’s party maintained that he would adhere to directives issued by the Akal Takht Jathedar, he did not present himself before Takht Patna Sahib despite a subsequent 20-day extension issued in mid-June.
“Due to health issues, Sukhbir Singh Badal had requested more time to appear,” a SAD spokesperson said, defending the party chief’s absence.
The controversy widened earlier when the Takht also declared three senior Sikh religious leaders — Akal Takht officiating Jathedar and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh — as tankhaiya for reinstating excommunicated former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar. The trio were also accused of overstepping protocol by summoning Takht Patna Sahib’s Head Granthi and additional Head Granthi to the Akal Takht.
The ongoing dispute reflects deepening tensions within Sikh religious leadership, as Takht Patna Sahib asserts its autonomy amid what it terms as interference by external religious authorities and political figures.
“No one is above the Maryada (religious code),” a representative of the Takht said. “Repeated defiance cannot go unanswered.”
As of now, it remains unclear what steps the Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat of Sikhs — will take in response to the Patna Sahib edict.
