Sukhbir Badal Appears Before the Jathedar Akal Takht: Background and an Overview of the Proceedings

His written submission will now be considered collectively by the Five Singh Sahiban.

Date and Context of the Summoning

On July 24, 2024, Sukhbir Singh Badal, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), responded to a summons by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism. This action was required to address allegations brought forth by dissenting leaders within his party, which had been submitted— along with their own unconditional apology— to the Jathedar of Akal Takht. The gravity of the summons reflected significant discontent within sections of the party and community regarding Badal's previous tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, during which he also held the Home Department portfolio. Notably, Sukhbir Badal had announced the dissolution of the Core Committee of SAD a day prior this visit.

Arrival and Preliminary Observances

Badal's approach to this sensitive matter was marked by a quiet arrival at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar at around 1:20 pm, unannounced to the media. Accompanied by key party figures like Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Harcharan Bains, Badal paid respects at the sanctum sanctorum, offering ‘karah parshad’, a gesture underscoring his reverence and the solemnity of the occasion. The General Secretary of the Party, Bikram Singh Majithia, who is also the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Badal, was conspicuously absent.

Sukhbir Badal appears before the Jathedar Akal Takht (Photo: Hindustan Times)

Submission and Discussion of the Explanation

In the meeting that lasted about 20 minutes with Jathedar Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh and other notable figures including the SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, Sukhbir Badal presented his written explanation. This document was in compliance with the directive issued by the five Singh Sahiban on July 15, necessitating a detailed response to the accusations levelled by the rebel Akali leaders. The Akal Takht’s spokesperson later indicated that this explanation would be deliberated upon in a forthcoming meeting of the five Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy).

Nature of the Allegations

The allegations against Sukhbir Badal were serioius and multifaceted. Accusations ranged from the revocation of the case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who had mimicked Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, to the apparent inaction over the Bargari sacrilege and subsequent police firing incidents at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. Additional criticisms included controversial administrative decisions like the appointment of IPS officer Sumedh Singh Saini as Punjab DGP and the political elevation of individuals closely linked to contentious figures within the state's policing history.

Implications and Sikh Community's Reaction

The response from the Sikh community and various organizations was one of cautious observation. With the SGPC, which plays a pivotal role in appointing the Jathedar, under the widely perceived influence of SAD, there were numerous calls for the Jathedar Akal Takht to remain impartial. The broader community appeared keenly aware of the potential implications of any decision made under undue influence, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the handling of such significant accusations.

Summarising and Anticipated Outcomes

The assembly at the Akal Takht was a critical moment not just for Badal but for the political and religious leadership within the Sikh community. The decisions forthcoming from this meeting are expected to resonate beyond the immediate political landscape, possibly influencing the community and electoral dynamics within Punjab. The Sikh community, along with political analysts, continues to watch closely, awaiting a resolution that aligns with the tenets of justice and the esteemed traditions of Sikhism.