Sikh clergy hands down wide-ranging religious ‘Tankah’ for erroneous acts
Amritsar, December 8, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – A turning point for Sikh institutions unfolded on Monday at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar as five well-known figures from religious, academic and political spheres appeared before the supreme Sikh seat of authority and submitted written apologies for their controversial actions the clergy deemed objectionable. The special sitting, opened with an address by officiating Jathedar, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from the façade of the Takht, marked most consequential days of collective accountability. The high priests reviewed each case, accepted apologies and issued detailed religious directives aimed at restoring discipline and reaffirming the Panth’s shared standards.
Valtoha’s ban lifted after apology
Senior Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha accepted wrongdoing for comments he made in October 2024 against leading Panthic personality and for recording audio during a meeting without his permission. After reviewing the case, the five Jathedars lifted the ten-year ban the Shiromani Akali Dal had imposed on him by the former Jathedar. The Takht cautioned him against making any sensitive statements in future.
His religious punishment includes three days of utensil-washing and footwear-cleaning sewa at Sri Harmandir Sahib, two days at Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran and one day each at Takht Damdama Sahib and Takht Kesgarh Sahib. He must also recite prescribed prayers for eleven days, offer Rs 1,100 for karah prasad and deposit another Rs 1,100 in the golak before a forgiveness ardas is performed. Valtoha accepted the directives.
GNDU VC Dr Karamjeet Singh expresses remorse
Guru Nanak Dev University Vice Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh apologised for remarks he made before the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at a South India conference in August 2024 to explore intersections between the Rigveda and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, including Sarbat da Bhala that had caused widespread concern among the Sikhs. The Takht directed him to complete two days of langar sewa at Sri Harmandir Sahib, recite Nitnem and Asa Ki Vaar for five days, read Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s seminal work Ham Hindu Nahin, distribute 500 copies of the book and perform an ardas after offering Rs 1,100 as karah prasad.
Dr Karamjeet told the clergy that the Sikh community is distinct and will remain distinct and assured that no inappropriate actions will take place in the university.
Former Jathedar seeks forgiveness for 2015 pardon
Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh publicly sought forgiveness for granting pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in September 2015, a decision that ignited one of the largest waves of outrage in the Panth. The Takht ordered him to complete two days of langar sewa at Sri Harmandir Sahib, recite Japji Sahib, Asa Ki Vaar and Jaap Sahib for two days and offer Rs 1,100 as karah prasad before a forgiveness ardas is performed.
Directives for preacher Harinder Singh
Preacher
Harinder Singh from Nirvair Khalsa Jatha UK appeared before the Takht after objections were raised to his controversial sermons over the demise of Guru Nanak sahib. The clergy lifted the restriction on his preaching but made it clear that he must strictly follow Panth-approved maryada and deliver only those sermons that strengthen the faith of the Sikh sangat.
His religious punishment includes two days of utensil-washing sewa at Sri Harmandir Sahib, two days of prescribed prayers and Rs 1,100 for karah prasad along with another Rs 1,100 to be deposited in the golak before seeking forgiveness.
Action against language department director Jaswant Singh
Punjab Languages Department Director Jaswant Singh admitted that dance and singing activities conducted during a program to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Centenary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Srinagar were inappropriate. The Takht ordered him to complete two days of langar and footwear-cleaning sewa at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, perform four days of prescribed prayers, distribute 100 copies of Principal Satbir Singh’s book and maintain utmost respect for Guru Sahiban in all future writings.
By accepting apologies, imposing discipline and reaffirming Panthic norms, Sri Akal Takht Sahib signalled a day of renewal for Sikhs in India and abroad, underscoring that accountability applies equally to every Sikh individual regardless of position or influence.
