Akal Takht to pronounce punishment to Sukhbir Badal after Diwali

Amritsar: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal has been sentenced to religious punishment by the Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has declared Badal a “tankhaiya,” meaning one guilty of religious misconduct, with the final decision on his punishment set to be announced after Diwali.

The accusations against Badal stem from his government’s actions, including pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda leader Ram Rahim, appointing Sumedh Saini as DGP, and failing to act in the sacrilege case involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Giani Raghbir Singh said that Badal, during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister and SAD President, took decisions that harmed Sikhism.

Sukhbir Badal has been instructed to appear before the Akal Takht as an ordinary Sikh and apologize within 15 days. Until he does so, he remains labeled as a “tankhaiya.”

Additionally, cabinet ministers who served during his tenure from 2007 to 2017 have been asked to provide explanations for their roles in these decisions.

As the Akal Takht’s final decision is pending, Badal’s political future is in jeopardy, with assembly election nominations scheduled just two days after Diwali. This may prevent him from contesting in the upcoming elections.