“This decision is not only beyond jurisdiction but undermines sanctity and protocol of Sikh religious hierarchy,” Jathedar Gargajj stated.
In a significant development that has stirred the Sikh Panth, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib has rejected the recent decision by the Panj Pyare of Takht Sri Patna Sahib that declared Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal as Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct). The apex Sikh authority termed the move as “unprincipled and outside jurisdiction.”
During a high-level meeting convened at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj strongly criticized the Patna Sahib decision, calling it a direct challenge to the supremacy and established traditions of the Akal Takht. “This decision is not only beyond jurisdiction but undermines the sanctity and protocol of Sikh religious hierarchy,” Jathedar Gargajj stated.
Head Granthi Declared ‘Tankhaiya’
In a parallel decision, Bhai Gurdial Singh, the Head Granthi of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, has been declared Tankhaiya for what was described as participating in and endorsing an illegitimate religious directive.
The Akal Takht has also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the management committee, members, and administrators of Takht Sri Patna Sahib to provide a written explanation. Failure to do so, warned the Akal Takht, will result in strict Panthic action.
A Matter of Jurisdiction and Panthic Unity
The controversy began when the Panj Pyare of Takht Sri Patna Sahib passed a resolution declaring Sukhbir Singh Badal as Tankhaiya, citing political conduct allegedly contrary to Sikh principles. However, Akal Takht officials have maintained that such declarations must come only through the highest religious seat of the Sikhs — Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, to maintain unity and uphold protocol.
Earlier, the Panj Pyare of Patna Sahib had also summoned Jathedars Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Tek Singh Dhanaula, a move now invalidated by Akal Takht Sahib as unconstitutional and outside the scope of the Panj Pyare's authority at Patna.
Jathedar Gargajj further clarified, “Theoretical dignity and uniformity of Sikh decisions must be preserved. Fragmentation in Panthic decisions will weaken the institutions that bind us.”
Mixed Reaction from the Sikh Sangat
The incident has sparked intense debate within the Sikh Sangat. While some have welcomed Akal Takht's intervention to maintain centralized authority, others feel the concerns raised by Patna Sahib should not be dismissed outright.
As tensions simmer, all eyes now turn to Akal Takht's next course of action, which could set a lasting precedent on religious governance, jurisdiction, and Panthic discipline across the Takhts.
This development highlights ongoing challenges within Sikh leadership over autonomy, protocol, and unity — raising larger questions about the relationship between regional Takhts and the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
