AMRITSAR, July 5 — The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken strong exception to the Takht Patna Sahib’s move to declare Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct), calling it an overreach that threatens the authority of the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest temporal seat.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, addressing the press in Amritsar on Saturday, said the decision by the panj pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib was outside their jurisdiction and risks creating confusion and division within the Panth (Sikh community).
“The traditions and customs of the Khalsa Panth are meant to resolve internal matters through unity, not create parallel centres of decision-making,” Dhami said. “Undermining the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib is not just inappropriate, it’s potentially damaging to the collective strength of the Sikh qaum.”
The controversy erupted after Sukhbir Singh Badal was declared tankhaiya by the panj pyare for failing to appear before them despite being summoned twice. The summons were reportedly related to his alleged support for individuals found guilty of violating a hukamnama (religious edict).
While acknowledging the spiritual significance of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Dhami asserted that “the authority to pronounce on Panthic matters lies solely with Akal Takht Sahib.” He emphasized the long-standing tradition of Sikh issues being resolved collectively by the five Singh Sahibs under the leadership of the Akal Takht.
“It is this framework of collective wisdom and centralized guidance that has safeguarded and elevated Sikh values worldwide,” he said.
The SGPC president cautioned against attempts by other Takhts to challenge the primacy of the Akal Takht, warning that such actions could fracture Sikh unity and weaken the institutional fabric of the Panth.
“In Sukhbir’s case, the path forward must be grounded in dialogue and internal consensus, not confrontation,” Dhami said. “Our strength lies in unity — channelled towards the progress of the Sikh community and the spread of Gurmat values.”
The remarks have set the stage for a deeper debate within Sikh religious and political circles over the interpretation of authority among the five Takhts, especially as tensions between the SGPC and other Takht managements continue to surface.
Read more: Takht Patna Sahib Declares Sukhbir Badal ‘Tankhaiya’