Takht Patna Sahib declares Sukhbir Badal ‘Tankhayia’ for defying summons

“This action has been taken in view of the events that began on May 21, 2025, when unauthorised and unconstitutional interference was carried out by the Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, challenging the established norms, constitution, and authority of Takht Patna Sahib,” Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh said, announcing the decision.

“Sukhbir Badal was involved in influencing and interfering with the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib, particularly during a series of controversial decisions and actions surrounding the status of ex-Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar. Badal was given two opportunities to appear and present his position, but he failed to do so,” Baldev Singh said. “Even after an extension of 20 days—reportedly granted at the request of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami—Badal did not comply,” he added.

“By repeatedly ignoring the summons and undermining the authority of Takht Patna Sahib, Sukhbir Singh Badal has violated the religious code. As a result, he is hereby declared Tankhayia,” Baldev Singh said.

In August 2024, the Akal Takht Sahib had passed a similar verdict against Badal. Then Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had said that Badal had harmed Sikh interests through decisions taken during his 2007–2017 tenure as deputy chief minister. “Until he seeks forgiveness before Guru Granth Sahib in humility, the Tankhayia status shall remain,” the Singh Sahibs had said.

In December 2024, the Akal Takht hosted a gathering of the five Singh Sahibs to revisit Badal’s previous ‘tankhah’, the punishment for violating the Sikh religious code. At that time, he reportedly admitted to “all mistakes” made during his government and was assigned religious punishment, which included performing various sevas (voluntary services) at the Takhts, such as guarding the gates, washing utensils, and listening to kirtan (devotional singing).

Reacting to the development, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said it was an act “beyond their jurisdiction and one that creates confusion within the Panth (Sikh community)”.

Dhami said that the traditions and customs of the Khalsa Panth are meant to resolve community issues, not to create crises within the community. “Undermining the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is inappropriate, and such actions could lead to internal discord within the Sikh community,” he added.

While Takht Sri Patna Sahib holds great respect within the Sikh world, the authority to deliberate on Panthic matters lies solely with Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Dhami said. He further said that there is a longstanding historical tradition of Panthic issues being addressed jointly by the five Singh Sahibs under the leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

“It is this very tradition that has uplifted the Sikh community on the global stage,” he said, warning that if the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib starts being challenged by other Takhts, it would severely damage the essence and richness of Sikh traditions.

He stressed that, especially in the current matter, the way forward must be through mutual dialogue, so that instead of visible conflict within the community, Sikh strength can be directed towards community interests, the prosperity of the Panth, and the promotion of Sikh values.

What happened in May

The present dispute stems from a controversial May 21 decision by the Punjab-based Takhts—Akal Takht, Takht Damdama Sahib, and Takht Keshgarh Sahib—to lift the excommunication of Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar and simultaneously impose sanctions on the current Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and priest Gurdial Singh.

In response, Takht Patna Sahib retaliated by declaring both Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (acting Jathedar of Akal Takht) and Giani Tek Singh Dhanaula (Takht Damdama Sahib) as ‘Tankhayia’. The Takht also summoned Sukhbir Singh Badal, alleging that he played a role in orchestrating the interventions against Patna Sahib’s authority.

With Badal’s continued absence, Saturday’s announcement marks a formal escalation in the clash between Sikh religious authorities and political figures, underscoring ongoing tensions between various Takhts and the political leadership of SAD.