Violation of Sikh code proved costly: Ordered to pay obeisance at Gurdwaras and ensure cleanliness
Amritsar, August 6, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – In a significant religious development, Sri Akal Takht Sahib—the supreme temporal authority of the Sikhs—has today declared Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains “Tankhaiya” (guilty of religious misconduct) and pronounced a religious punishment for his actions. The decision was announced by the Five Singh Sahiban (High Sikh Priests) from the platform of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, after Minister Bains appeared before them with folded hands and admitted his mistake. He confessed that during a recent government-led event in Srinagar commemorating the martyrdom tricentenary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji, violations of Sikh religious code had occurred in his presence.
As per the pronouncement, Minister Bains must now undertake a symbolic spiritual penance. He has been ordered to walk on foot from Sri Darbar Sahib to Gurdwara Guru ke Mahal in Amritsar and ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of the lanes and bazaars along this route. In addition, he must also walk on foot for at least 100 meters near Gurdwara Kotha Sahib and Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib, and is responsible for initiating cleaning and maintenance efforts at these sacred sites.
Further, he has been directed to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, followed by a visit to Sri Anandpur Sahib where he will have to perform voluntary service (seva) for two days, including cleaning shoes (jode) of the devotees. Upon completion of these acts, he must also sponsor a Karah Prashad offering worth ₹1100.
Strict directives for Punjab Government also Issued
The five Singh Sahiban also issued firm instructions to the Punjab Government. They stated that if the government wishes to hold seminars or intellectual programs as part of martyrdom centenary observances, it must do so in consultation with the SGPC’s Dharam Parchar Committee. Moreover, the government has been reminded that religious events such as Nagar Kirtans and Gurmat samagams are the domain of Sikh institutions and its role should be to offer full cooperation, not controlling or holding religious activities. Sikh institutions were also directed to accord due respect to government representatives during these programs.
This entire religious proceeding was conducted under the leadership of Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargarj and other Singh Sahiban of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Three Jammu-based Sikhs also punished
In a related decision, the five Singh Sahiban also declared three Sikhs from Jammu—Ranjit Singh, Jagpal Singh, and Somanath Singh—as Tankhaiyas for organizing a program in support of Professor Darshan Singh, an individual excommunicated from the Sikh Panth.
Bains accepts decision with humility
Speaking to reporters afterward, Minister Harjot Singh Bains expressed full acceptance of the Akal Takht’s decision. “I respect every command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and will obey them fully,” he stated. “I consider the Akal Takht the supreme authority and offer my complete submission to its will.”
