Sukhbir Badal Declared Tankhaiya by Takht Patna Sahib for Ignoring Summons

Patna Sahib (The Uttam Hindu): Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has once again been declared a Tankhaiya by Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five supreme temporal authorities in Sikhism. This decision comes after Badal failed to appear before the Takht despite being summoned twice to explain his actions.

According to Sikh religious traditions, a Tankhaiya is a person who is found guilty of violating Sikh tenets and religious conduct. Sukhbir Badal was given multiple opportunities to present his clarification but chose not to respond, leading to the pronouncement of religious punishment.

As per Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), anyone declared Tankhaiya cannot participate in any religious ceremony at the Takhts, nor can prayers be conducted on their behalf. If anyone performs such rituals for a Tankhaiya, they too are deemed guilty.

The punishment prescribed for a Tankhaiya is rooted in service and humility. The person must perform voluntary service (sewa) in gurdwaras, which may include cleaning utensils, shoes, and floors. Additionally, the individual must follow the daily discipline of attending ardas (prayers) in the morning and evening and wear all five symbols of Sikh identity — Kesh (unshorn hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kangha (comb), Kachhera (undershorts), and Kirpan (sword).

Only upon the completion of this period of service and repentance, which concludes with a final ardas, can the individual be spiritually reinstated. This is not the first time Sukhbir Singh Badal has faced religious censure from the Sikh Takhts. His continued disregard for the authority of the Takhts has drawn sharp criticism from various Sikh quarters, raising serious questions about leadership accountability and respect for Sikh institutions.