Sukhbir Singh Badal begins religious penance at Golden Temple

Golden Temple: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former Chief Minister of Punjab and President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has been serving a religious punishment imposed by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs. The punishment, known as ‘tankhah’, is a form of penance for the mistakes committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

On December 3, 2024, Badal was seen at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, wearing a plaque around his neck and sitting in a wheelchair. He was directed to perform the role of a ‘sewadar’, which involves cleaning duties in the kitchens and toilets of several gurdwaras.

What led to the punishment?

The Akal Takht held Badal accountable for favouring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2015 sacrilege case involving the Guru Granth ¹ Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs. The sacrilege incident sparked widespread protests and anger among the Sikh community.  

The details of the punishment:

As part of the punishment, Badal is required to:

• Perform as a sewadar: This involves cleaning duties in the kitchens and toilets of several gurdwaras.
• Wear a plaque around his neck: The plaque acknowledges his misdeeds and serves as a public display of his repentance.
• Undergo other rituals: These rituals are part of the traditional Sikh practice of atonement.

Public reaction:

The imposition of the punishment has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some people have welcomed the decision, believing that it is a necessary step to atone for the mistakes of the past. Others have criticized the punishment, arguing that it is too harsh and that it does not address the root causes of the problem.

Political implications:

The punishment has also had political implications. The SAD, which is already facing a decline in popularity, has been further weakened by the controversy. The party’s opponents have been quick to capitalize on the situation, accusing the SAD of hypocrisy and corruption.

The future of the SAD:

The future of the SAD is uncertain. The party will need to work hard to regain the trust of the Sikh community. It will also need to address the root causes of the problems that led to the imposition of the punishment.

Final Thought

Sukhbir Singh Badal’s punishment is a significant event in the history of Sikhism. It is a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to atone for one’s mistakes. The punishment has also highlighted the challenges faced by the SAD and the Sikh community as a whole.

Additional points to consider:

• The role of the Akal Takht: The Akal Takht is the highest temporal authority of Sikhs. It has the power to impose religious punishments on individuals who violate Sikh principles.
• The impact on the Sikh community: The sacrilege incident and the subsequent punishment have had a significant impact on the Sikh community. The community has been deeply divided over the issue.
• The need for reconciliation: It is important for the Sikh community to come together and find a way to reconcile their differences. This will be essential for the healing process and for the future of the Sikh community.