Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has been directed to perform religious service by the Panj Singh Sahiban at Sri Akal Takht after being found guilty of violating the Sikh religious code of conduct during a state-organised event in Srinagar. The function was held to mark the martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.
Bains appeared before the Panj Singh Sahiban at the Akal Takht and confessed to his mistake. Following his explanation, he was pardoned but given a set of religious tasks as a form of penance.
He has been ordered to walk on foot from Sri Darbar Sahib to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal—the birthplace of Guru Sahib—and ensure the cleanliness and development of the route.
The minister will also walk 100 metres at Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Wala and Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib, two sites linked to the Guru, and is responsible for their repair and upkeep.
Additionally, Bains must pay obeisance at Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Delhi and Sri Anandpur Sahib, where he will serve the Sangat for two days. He has also been instructed to organise kadah prasad worth ₹1,100.
The punishment is seen as an effort to uphold Sikh maryada and accountability, even among public representatives.
