Sukhbir Singh Badal was punished
The apex body of Sikhs has finally given its verdict against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. He was declared salaried. Sukhbir Badal was accused of taking many decisions that went beyond the rules of the Sikh community, which caused anger among the Sikhs. The situation reached such a stage that Sukhbir’s own people rebelled and formed a separate group and opened a front against him. The rebel group submitted a detailed list of their crimes to Shri Akal Takht Sahib and also demanded strict action.
From the time of the rebel group’s demand, it was believed that the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib might take a stern decision against them. And that’s what happened… As soon as the meeting of the five Singh sahibs started on Friday, a joint decision was taken on the issue, setting aside all issues, and the Jathedar came in front of the sect and expelled him from the sect.
However, seeing the growing anger, Sukhbir Badal already appeared at Sri Akal Takht on 24th July and gave his explanation to the Jatedar in a sealed parbidiya confessing his crime. A few days later, when this pardon was announced, it came to light that he had openly and unconditionally apologized for his crimes.
He wrote in the letter that he takes all his mistakes on his own account and whatever punishment Panch Singh Sahiban gives him, he will take it himself. But even after this apology, the resentment against him increased instead of decreasing. Following signs of strict action and mounting pressure from the Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Akali Dal yesterday appointed Balwinder Singh Bhundar as the party’s working president.
What is the salary penalty?
People associated with Sikhism know what Tankhaiya is, but for common people the word may be unheard and surprising. Actually, tankaiya means to stop the hookah-water of a religious criminal or guilty person. If a Sikh takes a decision in disregard of his religious rules, the Akal Takht has the right to punish him accordingly. A person declared Tankhaiya can neither approach any throne nor pray to any lion, if anyone prays on his behalf he is also considered guilty.
However, if the accused appears before the Sikh Sangat and apologizes for his mistake, he is forgiven. But even after Sukhbir Badal apologized, he was not pardoned. The charges against him of going against the dignity of Sikhism were proved and he was declared Tankhaiya, i.e. expelled from the sect.
If this sentence is understood in simple terms, just as the court convicts the accused after the charge is proved and fixes a date for the sentence, the same is the case in Tankaiya. Jetedar has proved him guilty. Now there will be a meeting of the five Singh Sahibans, in which Sukhbir Badal will be present and present his side, after which punishment and time limit will be decided against him.
What is the punishment after being declared salaried?
Punishment given during Tankhaiya has to be strictly followed. During this period the convicted person has to serve as a full Sikh. He has to wear all the five articles (brief, comb, bangle, hair and kirpan) and also observe physical cleanliness. One has to participate in Ardas in front of Guru Sahib in the morning and in the evening with a sincere heart. During the period of punishment, he has to remain in Gurdwara Sahib, i.e. he is forbidden to go home. Family members can come to Gurdwara Sahib to meet him but they cannot go out to meet him.
When the Panch Singh Sahiban, after hearing the side of the accused, pronounces punishment against him, he shall perform the cleaning, langar seva, joda seva of any Gurdwara Sahib for a fixed period. After the completion of the punishment, prasad of kada has to be offered, after offering the cauldron, a prayer will be offered before Shri Guru Granth Sahib in which Tankaiya seeks forgiveness of his sins from Guru Sahib.
What is the charge against Sukhbir Badal?
The biggest allegation against Sukhbir Badal is that he withdrew the case registered against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in Salabatpura in 2007. At that time, Ram Rahim pretended to be the tenth Patshah, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, and pretended to give nectar to the people. An angry Sikh Sangh filed a police case against him but the Badal government withdrew the case.
After this avalanche, Sri Akal Takht Sahib expelled Ram Rahim from the sect. Sukhbir Badal was then the president of Shiromani Akali Dal. He used his power to get Ram Rahim pardoned from the Singh Sahibs. He was accused of betraying his sect for the sake of vote bank. However, he had to backtrack on his decision following the anger of party leaders, the Shiromani Committee and the Sikh Sangat. But the anger of the people increased instead of decreasing.
Sukhbir will appear before Akal Takht Sahib
The third allegation against him was that the Bargadi desecration case was not properly investigated during the Badal government. Instead DGP Sumedh Saini was ordered to fire on Sikh youths who were peacefully protesting in Kotakpura. Two Sikh youths were also killed in this firing. The case against him is going on in the Faridkot court.
Now waiting for Sukhbir Badal to appear on Akal Takht Sahib. When they will be told their crimes and they will present their side on them. After which the final decision regarding his punishment will be taken.
