Sukhbir Badal, declared “tankhaiya” by Akal Takht, performs seva duties as penance for sacrilege-related misconduct, reflecting accountability and humility.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has embarked on his journey of reparation as per the directives of Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs. Found guilty of religious misconduct, he has been declared a “tankhaiya,” a term denoting an individual penalized for violating Sikh tenets. This is punishment connected to his alleged favoritism toward Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2015 sacrilege case of the Guru Granth Sahib, an important event that had rattled the Sikh community.
Part of his religious penalty is the performing of duties as a humble sewadar—a servant—within the precincts of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other gurdwaras. Accompanied by his brother-in-law and Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Badal is given tasks like cleaning bathrooms, washing utensils, and serving langar, the free meal served in Sikh temples.
The Akal Takht
The Akal Takht’s move to punish Sukhbir Badal reflects its crucial role in upholding the purity of Sikh values. Established by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1606, the Akal Takht is the highest body of Sikh authority, holding people and institutions responsible for violations of the ethos of the faith.
In this case, the Akal Takht put the Akali Dal leadership on the dock for activities during their tenure from 2007 to 2017. The controversy involved pardoning Ram Rahim, whose activities—like impersonating Sikh Gurus—had deeply hurt the Sikh community. This incident triggered violent clashes between Dera followers and Sikhs, damaging the peace and unity of Punjab.
A Symbolic Reparation
Sukhbir Badal, sporting a badge around his neck and wielding a spear, has done public penance. Not only is this a lesson in personal accountability but collective guilt over the action of the Akali Dal. His role in duty cleaning and service at langar reflects the very basic tenets of Sikhism: humility, equality, and service to humanity. By doing so, Badal hopes to regain the confidence of the Sikh community and align himself with the religious and moral principles of Sikhism.
For Bikram Singh Majithia, doing the utensil washing and langar seva is not just a duty; it is an act of solidarity and acknowledgment of past errors. These gestures, though symbolic, carry profound meaning in Sikhism, where serving others selflessly is considered a form of worship.
Implications for the Akali Dal
This religious punishment goes beyond the issue of personal atonement. The Akal Takht has also called upon the working committee of the Akali Dal to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party chief. This order represents a serious call for introspection and reformation in the party, which for years was the symbol of Sikh politics.
Taking away the “Fakhr-e-Qaum” title from Sukhbir Badal’s deceased father, Parkash Singh Badal, strengthens the idea that Akal Takht sticks to Sikh principles rather than political standing.
A Way Toward Reconciliation
While Sukhbir Badal’s atonement will not erase the scars of the past, it is a step toward reconciliation. It reminds Sikh leaders of their accountability to their community. By embracing humility and performing seva, Badal and his associates show a willingness to heal divisions and restore faith in their leadership.
Ultimately, this episode restates Akal Takht’s continued authority in leading the Sikh community and holding even the most powerful individuals to account in accordance with the principles of Sikhism.
