AMRITSAR, May 21: — Breaking a prolonged five-year impasse, Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on Wednesday appeared before the Akal Takht and pledged to adhere to Sikh tenets, formally seeking reconciliation with the highest temporal authority of the Sikh faith.
Dhadrianwale’s appearance came in response to an open invitation issued on April 22 by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, who called upon controversial preachers to clarify past controversies and rejoin the mainstream Sikh preaching tradition.
“I am ready to walk the path of Gurmat and abide by the traditions of Sikhism,” Dhadrianwale told the clergy, while submitting a written apology to the five high priests of the Takht. His statement marked a significant shift from years of estrangement that began with accusations of distorting Sikh principles in his discourses.
The panel of senior clergy included Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Golden Temple granthi Giani Rajdeep Singh, Jathedar Baba Tek Singh of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Joginder Singh of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and Akal Takht granthi Giani Gurbakshish Singh.
During his appearance, Dhadrianwale was questioned from the ‘faseel’ (podium) of the Akal Takht regarding his earlier controversial statements. He acknowledged past mistakes and affirmed his intent to realign his preaching with Sikh rehat maryada, the established code of conduct in Sikhism.
“His apology has been accepted,” said Giani Gargaj, confirming the decision of the clergy. “He has been permitted to continue preaching, provided it remains within the framework of Gurmat and Sikh discipline.”
As a symbolic gesture of humility and reconciliation, Dhadrianwale was instructed to offer a ‘deg’ worth ₹501 at the Akal Takht — a traditional act signifying acceptance and repentance.
The confrontation dates back to 2019–2020, when Dhadrianwale came under scrutiny for promoting what were considered rationalist interpretations of Sikh teachings. He stressed logical reasoning in faith, advocating the recital of five daily ‘banis’ as per his own understanding, and urged followers to engage with Guru Granth Sahib through critical thinking.
Despite multiple summons from a sub-committee of the Akal Takht, Dhadrianwale skipped three scheduled meetings. On August 24, 2020, the Akal Takht issued an edict urging the Sikh community to boycott him until he sought clemency.
Now, with his appearance and pledge of conformity, Dhadrianwale has taken a decisive step to re-enter the mainstream Sikh fold, potentially ending one of the most visible conflicts between independent preachers and institutional Sikh leadership in recent years.
