THE AKAL TAKHT, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, recently made a historic move by declaring Sukhbir Singh Badal and several senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as tankhaiyas (guilty of religious misconduct).
This decision has reverberated across Punjab and Sikh diaspora communities worldwide, marking a significant shift in the relationship between Sikh religious institutions and the SAD, a party long associated with Sikh politics.
Atonement for Religious Misconduct
On December 3, 2024, Sukhbir Singh Badal was publicly censured for actions that undermined the image of the Sikh community and weakened the party’s credibility.
These included his role in the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2015, a decision later retracted amidst widespread outrage. The Dera chief had committed acts viewed as blasphemous by Sikhs, and his pardon severely eroded trust in both the Akal Takht and the SAD.
Sukhbir was also criticized for his handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents involving the Guru Granth Sahib. A series of desecrations of Sikh scripture sparked massive protests across Punjab, which were met with inadequate and allegedly complicit responses from the state government led by the SAD.
The violent police action in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, where peaceful protesters were shot, further inflamed public outrage. The lack of accountability and transparency in addressing these incidents left a deep scar on the Sikh psyche, with many accusing the SAD government of prioritizing political calculations over justice.
Another contentious issue was the use of donations made to Sikh shrines under the SGPC’s control for political advertisements defending the controversial pardon. These funds, meant for religious and community welfare, were allegedly diverted for purposes seen as self-serving and inappropriate.
Jathedar Raghbir Singh with other Jathedars
The Akal Takht’s Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, highlighted this misuse as a breach of the trust reposed in the SGPC by the Sikh community.
Sukhbir admitted to these allegations during his appearance at the Akal Takht and expressed remorse.
Reforms Within the Akali Dal
The Akal Takht’s ruling extended beyond Sukhbir Badal, implicating other senior Akali leaders such as Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Daljit Singh Cheema, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Gulzar Singh Ranike. While some leaders complied with the mandated seva, others faced further questioning over their involvement in controversial decisions.
The Akal Takht also intervened in the SAD’s internal structure by effectively taking control of the party. It formed a six-member committee, led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, to oversee the party’s reorganization. The committee’s mandate includes launching a fresh membership drive and electing a new president and executive committee. This development marks a decisive shift in the party’s leadership dynamics, long dominated by the Badal family.
Criticism of Former Jathedars
Former Jathedars (L to R) Giani Raghbir Singh, Giani Iqbal Singh, Giani Gurbachan Singh, Giani Mall Singh and Giani Gurmukh Singh
Former Jathedars of various Takhts also faced criticism for their roles in some of these controversial decisions. Observers noted that former Jathedars appeared complicit in actions that undermined the Akal Takht’s credibility, including the 2015 pardon of the Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. It may be pointed out that the current Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, was among the high priests who supported this controversial decision.
Such decisions were seen as being influenced by political pressures from the SAD leadership rather than reflecting the collective will of the Sikh community. This perceived subservience to political interests damaged the independence and moral authority of Sikh institutions.
Akal Takhat Letter revoking the pardon
Notably, former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh came under intense scrutiny for his role in granting the pardon, which sparked protests across Punjab and among the Sikh diaspora. Although he later withdrew the pardon, the move failed to satisfy Sikhs worldwide, deepening the sense of betrayal within the community.
Additionally, Giani Gurbachan Singh was the mastermind behind honoring Parkash Singh Badal with the Panth Ratan Fakhr-e-Qaum award, a move that also drew backlash from Sikhs.
His subsequent resignation did little to repair the damage caused by what many Sikhs viewed as a betrayal of core principles. Other former Jathedars were accused of failing to stand up to political interference in matters of religious significance, further eroding trust in the institutions they represented.
Revocation of Parkash Singh Badal’s Honour
In another significant move, the Akal Takht revoked the Panth Ratan Fakhr-e-Qaum award previously bestowed upon former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Parkash Singh Badal was bestowed upon the title of ‘Panth Ratan Fakhr-e-Qaum’ by the Akal Takht Jathedar
The award, given to honour his contributions to the Sikh community, was rescinded due to growing discontent over his government’s handling of key issues, including the sacrilege cases and perceived political interference in Sikh religious matters.
The revocation underscores the Akal Takht’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for actions that have caused widespread disillusionment within the Sikh community.
Historical and Political Context
The SAD’s decline has been gradual but unmistakable. Once a dominant force in Punjab’s politics, the party’s influence waned following its electoral defeats in 2017 and 2022.
The controversial decisions under the Badal-led government, including their alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and alleged prioritization of political gains over Sikh values, have alienated its traditional support base.
The Akal Takht’s actions can be seen as a response to growing discontent within the Sikh community. Observers note that this move allows the Akal Takht to reassert its autonomy and moral authority, which many believed had been compromised during the Badal era.
“The Akal Takht’s decision reflects the Sikh community’s desire for accountability and reform within its political and religious institutions,” said a scholar of Sikh affairs.
Implications for Punjab’s Politics
The Akal Takht’s decision to take on the SAD leadership has far-reaching implications. For the SAD, this represents an opportunity for reinvention but also poses significant challenges. The party’s close ties to Sikh religious institutions have historically been its strength. However, the Akal Takht’s censure has severely damaged its credibility among the Sikh electorate.
Politically, this development has weakened the SAD’s standing, leaving it vulnerable to rivals such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, both of which have capitalized on its decline. The Akal Takht’s intervention also raises questions about the separation of religious and political spheres in Punjab, a state where the two have long been intertwined.
Attack on Sukhbir Badal: A Violent Assault on Sacred Space
In a shocking turn of events, Sukhbir Singh Badal was targeted in an attempted shooting while performing seva (selfless service) at the entrance of the Darbar Sahib Complex. As part of his atonement, Badal had been assigned the duty of serving as a gatekeeper at the Darbar Sahib.
Narain Singh Chaura opened fire at Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple
The attack occurred when an individual, reportedly dissatisfied with his role in Sikh affairs and his leadership, attempted to fire at him. Fortunately, Badal was unharmed in the incident. The attempt on his life has intensified the ongoing debate about the SAD’s handling of religious matters and its growing estrangement from the Sikh community.
This was a condemnable act; regardless of his misconduct, such an attempt should never be made at any holy place. While violence has no place in a civilized society, an attack on religious sites tarnishes their sanctity and gives governments an excuse to place these sacred spaces under constant surveillance.
Impact on the Future of the Badal Family’s Influence in Akali Politics
The Akal Takht’s recent censure of Sukhbir Singh Badal and other senior leaders of the SAD has cast a long shadow over the Badal family’s dominance in Sikh politics. For decades, the family has been synonymous with the SAD, leveraging its deep connections to Sikh religious institutions to consolidate power. However, the Akal Takht’s decision to hold them accountable for past actions has disrupted this long-standing equation.
Akali Leaders At Akal Takht Sahib
On one hand, the episode highlights widespread discontent with the Badals’ leadership, particularly their handling of critical issues like the sacrilege incidents of 2015 and the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
The resulting loss of trust in the SAD among its core Sikh electorate poses a significant challenge to the family’s political future. By stripping Sukhbir Badal and his allies of their moral authority and mandating reforms within the party, the Akal Takht has opened the door for alternative leadership to emerge within the SAD.
On the other hand, political observers caution against underestimating the resilience of the Badal family. With deep roots in Punjab’s political landscape and a strong organizational network, the family has weathered numerous crises in the past.
Sukhbir Singh Badal performing seva
Their willingness to publicly accept the Akal Takht’s directives, including performing seva and expressing remorse, may resonate with some segments of the Sikh community as a sign of humility and atonement. This could allow the Badals to recast themselves as reformers committed to reviving the SAD’s moral and political foundations.
The future trajectory of the Badal family’s influence will depend largely on how they navigate this period of reckoning. If they embrace genuine reforms and address long-standing grievances, they may succeed in regaining some measure of trust and support. However, if the reforms are perceived as superficial or if internal dissent within the party grows, the family’s grip on Akali politics could weaken further.
A Test of Leadership and Reform
For Sukhbir Singh Badal and the SAD, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. The Akal Takht’s directive to democratize the party and rebuild its moral foundation could either rejuvenate the SAD or accelerate its decline. Much will depend on whether the party can regain the trust of its core supporters and present a vision that resonates with the broader Sikh community.
As the SAD embarks on this period of introspection and reform, the Akal Takht’s actions send a critical message: no individual or institution is above accountability in Sikhism. This landmark decision has opened a new chapter in the relationship between Sikh religious authorities and Punjab’s political landscape. 
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Team PT
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