Chandigarh, 02 December 2024: The Panj Singh Sahiban at Sri Akal Takht Sahib pronounced punishments against several key figures from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), including its President Sukhbir Singh Badal, over the controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim during the SAD government.
The Singh Sahiban ordered the withdrawal of the Fakhr-e-Qaum honor awarded to former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. They also revoked all privileges extended to former Jathedars Giani Gurmukh Singh and Giani Gurbachan Singh, who facilitated the pardon. Both Jathedars are now barred from public speaking engagements, and they were instructed to return the interest accrued on funds utilized from the Shiromani Committee.
The SAD has been directed to plant 1,25,000 saplings as part of its atonement. Additionally, prominent party leaders, including Bibi Jagir Kaur, Sohan Singh Thandal, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Charanjit Singh Atwal, and Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon, were instructed to clean bathrooms at local gurdwaras from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm daily. They must also perform seva at their nearest gurdwaras.
The committee further declared Harjinder Singh Sarna as a salaried offender for his alleged use of inappropriate language against the Singh Sahiban.
Punishment for Sukhbir Singh Badal
Sukhbir Singh Badal was ordered to provide 11,000 deg offerings at local gurdwaras and serve in Langar halls, cleaning utensils for an hour daily. From 3 December 2024, he and other SAD leaders will clean public bathrooms at Sri Darbar Sahib for one hour each day.
The leaders were also instructed to wear a plaque around their necks bearing their assigned tasks and to sit on thrones outside the Deori at Sri Darbar Sahib with spears in hand from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for two days.
Gurbani Kirtan and Sukhmani Sahib Recitation
The Panj Singh Sahiban also mandated the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib and Gurbani Kirtan as part of the prescribed penance. Sri Darbar Sahib’s management will monitor compliance with the orders.
This significant directive marks a stern stance by Sri Akal Takht Sahib against acts perceived as blasphemous or inappropriate within the Sikh faith.
