Official announcements from the Shiromani Akali Dal or Akal Takht, and news reports on political developments.

Sukhbir Badal Declared Tankhaiya, Ordered to Clean Golden Temple for Religious Misconduct

Dec 2, 2024, 08:38 AM

Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, has been pronounced guilty of religious misconduct by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs. On August 30, Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' by the Akal Takht, a designation for those guilty of religious misconduct. The Five Singh Sahibans, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, have ordered Badal and other Akali Dal leaders to appear before the Akal Takht. As part of the punishment, Badal is required to perform one hour of voluntary cleaning at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The decision follows allegations of religious misconduct during his tenure as Punjab's Chief Minister. The Akali Dal leadership has publicly accepted the order, emphasizing their commitment to abide by the Akal Takht's decisions. The matter has also sparked calls for political repercussions, with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urging the Akal Takht to impose a political ban on Badal.