Amritsar, Dec 8 — The Akal Takht on Monday ordered ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) for former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh over his 2015 decision to pardon Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a move that had triggered widespread outrage among Sikh bodies.
Announcing the order, acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj said the former head of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs must atone for granting exoneration after receiving a letter of apology from the Dera leader. “This remains one of the most sensitive matters for the Panth, and accountability is necessary,” he said.
In September 2015, Giani Gurbachan Singh had declared that Ram Rahim’s written apology expressed “deep respect and regard for Guru Gobind Singh and the Sikh community.” However, the pardon was withdrawn within three weeks after intense backlash, with the Takht stating the Dera chief had not appeared personally to seek forgiveness as required.
Ram Rahim was accused in 2007 of dressing like the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, during a congregation in Sirsa, Haryana — an incident that led to violent clashes between Dera followers and Sikhs across Punjab.
The fresh ‘tankhah’ ruling marks a rare instance of the Takht penalising a former Jathedar for past decisions. The Panj Singh Sahibans directed him to perform seva (service) at major Sikh shrines, including washing utensils at langar halls, cleaning footwear at joda ghars, and reciting prescribed banis.
