Akal Takht, SAD, and the punishment to Sukhbir Singh Badal

Sub : History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), was shot at near the Golden Temple while on guard duty.
Badal, along with other members of the previous SAD government (2007-2017), has been ordered to perform atonement (known as tankhah) by the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority.

Akal Takht:

The Akal Takht is one of the five Takhts (seats of religious authority) in Sikhism and holds the highest temporal and spiritual authority within the Sikh community.
It was established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru to uphold Sikh governance and spiritual authority, especially after the execution of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, by the Mughals.
The Takht has historically symbolized defiance against the Mughal Empire and later became a pivotal centre for decision-making within the Sikh community.
It is situated in front of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

The role of Akal Takht:

The Akal Takht is not only a religious centre but also serves as the final authority on issues related to Sikh practices, ethics, and community disputes.
It is the seat of the Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, who is responsible for issuing directives (hukamnamas) and addressing grievances within the Sikh community.
Those who claim Sikh identity and submit to its authority can be summoned for trials and subjected to punishment.
Sukhbir Singh Badal was ordered to perform atonement for his role in the SAD government’s alleged failures.

Religious Punishment (Tankhah):

In Sikhism, tankhah is a form of religious atonement for transgressions. Individuals or groups who violate Sikh principles may be summoned to the Akal Takht for a public trial.
If found guilty, they are given specific tasks to instil humility and promote self-discipline.
These tasks often involve menial work such as cleaning utensils, bathrooms, or other humbling activities, which are seen as a way to remove ego and restore moral integrity.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC):

The SGPC is the apex governing body of Sikh gurdwaras (places of worship), responsible for overseeing religious institutions and managing Sikh shrines.
It was formed in 1920 during the Gurdwara Reform Movement to counter the influence of the British government-supported mahants (priests).
The SGPC controls the management of Sikh shrines, including the Golden Temple, and appoints the Akal Takht Jathedar.

Interconnection between SAD and SGPC:

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was founded in 1920 with the aim of mobilizing Sikhs against British interference in Sikh religious affairs.
The close relationship between the SGPC and the SAD allows the party to exert considerable influence over decisions made by the Akal Takht.
Critics argue that the SAD has sometimes used its influence to sway decisions in favour of its political agenda.