Latest news with #Takhts
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Patna Sahib blinks, accepts Akal Takht's supremacy
The ongoing confrontation between Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib was resolved on Monday after the clergy of Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat withdrew its resolution issued to challenge the supremacy of the highest temporal seat and on request of the Patna Sahib management, Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht also withdrew its edicts. Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. (HT File) Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. In both letters, Akal Takht was recognised as the supreme and highest Sikh Takht. 'On Monday, a meeting of Panj Pyaras Singh Sahiban was held at Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib. While the birth birthplace of Guru Gobind Sahib Jee, Takht Patna Sahib, is the great Takht of the Sikhs, Akal Takht Sahib which was founded by Guru Hargobind Sahib, is the highest seat. The edicts issued from here as per the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 are withdrawn in larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity, sentiments of Sikh sangat', reads the resolutions passed by the clergy of Patna Sahib. Signed by president Jagjot Singh and general secretary Inderjit Singh, the letter addressed to Giani Gargaj states that they are dedicated to the Akal Takht which is the highest forum among all the five Sikh temporal seats. 'Some matters are going on between both the Takhts. We request you to review the decisions taken by Akal Takht regarding Takht Patna Sahib keeping in view of larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity and respect and dignity of the Takhts and give more time to the management to present its side in these matters', reads the letter. The July 5 edict of Takht Patna Sahib had declared the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for ignoring its summons. Considering the communique, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht also revoked the resolutions passed on May 31 and July 5. Under the May 31 edict, the ban imposed on panthic services of Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Giani Gurdial Sing was lifted. 'Considering request from the management of Patna Sahib, the July 5 edict is also revoked in larger interests of khalsa panth and Sikh sentiments', said Giani Gargaj while reading out the fresh resolution. The SGPC had on Sunday called a session on August 5 over the issue. How row unfolded? On May 21 Giani Gargaj-led Sikh clergy, during a meeting at Akal Takht, took notice of Takht Patna Sahib management's failure to comply with its 2022 decree in which the management was asked to examine incumbent jathedar Baldev Singh's gurbani recitation skills and transfer of additional head granthi Gurdial Singh. Both individuals were barred from performing panthic duties. Hours later, Patna Sahib panj pyaras also comprising Giani Baldev Singh and Giani Gurdial Singh issued a parallel decree, turning down the Akal Takht's decree and on July 5, declared SAD chief 'tankhaiya' for failing to appear before it. The move of the Sikh clergy to acquit former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar in the May 21 edict was also rejected by Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras. On July 5, Giani Gargaj called an emergency meeting at Akal Takht and denounced the action of the Patna Sahib. The Akal Takht also took action against Gurdial Singh and two members of the management for allegedly conspiring to breach the jurisdiction of the highest Sikh temporal seat and challenging its supremacy. In the resolution passed during the meeting, which was pronounced as a 'decree' from the platform of the Takht, the Sikh clergy revisited the 2003 edict of the highest Sikh temporal, which was signed by jathedars of all five Sikh Takhts and termed the move of Takht Patna Sahib as a gross violation of the 2003 edict.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Akal Takht, Takht Patna Sahib resolve differences as edicts declaring members 'tankhaiya' were withdrawn
In the letter the management of Takht Patna Sahib had expressed full submission to the supreme authority of Akal Takht and pledged continued allegiance in the future. They stated that for the 'panthic' unity and larger interests of the Khalsa, they had requested Gargaj to review the decisions and demanded more time to present their side. To deliberate on the contents of the letter, a meeting of the Sikh clergy was convened on Monday. In this, earlier resolutions passed during meetings of five high priests on May 21 and July 5 were reconsidered in light of panthic unity, the broader interests of the community and necessary amendments were made accordingly. Gargaj further said that simultaneously, the Takht Patna Sahib also convened a meeting and accepted the supreme authority of Akal Takht. "They decided to withdraw the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 by Takht Patna Sahib," he said. Gargaj announced that the five high priests at Akal Takht, on May 21, had passed a decree stopping 'panthic' services of Head Granthi of Takht Patna Sahib Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head Granthi Gurdial Singh, stood cancelled today. Former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar was directed to withdraw the case filed against the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib. He ordered the president and general secretary of the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib to pay all pending dues of Gauhar. Gargaj added that it is heartening that the recent discord between the two Takhts has now been completely resolved through mutual cooperation. He further said that he will soon visit Takht Patna Sahib and pay obeisance.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Patna Sahib edict on Sukhbir raises hackles of Akal Takht
Hours after the 'panj pyaras' (five beloved ones of Guru) of Takht Patna Sahib declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for failing to appear before them, Akal Takht denounced the action of the Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat on Saturday. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, along with other Sikh high priests, pronouncing the edict from the Akal Takht at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT) The Akal Takht responded by condemning Takht Patna Sahib's actions and taking firm action against its additional head granthi Gurdial Singh and two members of the management committee, accusing them of conspiring to breach Akal Takht's authority. In a highly charged meeting held on Saturday at the Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs — Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, called for an emergency session of the 'panj singh sahiban' (Sikh clergy). The gathering issued a resolution declaring that the actions of Takht Patna Sahib were a direct violation of the 2003 edict, which had been signed by the jathedars of all five Takhts. The decree emphasised that while the regional Takhts have jurisdiction over local religious, social and cultural matters, only Akal Takht can make decisions on Panth-wide issues. Akal Takht's clergy strongly condemned the recent decrees issued by 'panj pyaras' of Takht Patna Sahib, calling them 'unauthorised' and 'anti-traditional.' According to the 2003 decree, any collective decisions affecting the Sikh community as a whole must be made by the five Takhts at Akal Takht, with its jathedars holding the ultimate authority. The Sikh clergy denounced Takht Patna Sahib's actions as 'a gross violation' of these long-established traditions and warned that attempts to undermine Akal Takht's supremacy would not be tolerated. The resolution passed by the clergy reaffirmed that while all Takhts are held in high reverence, any collective religious directive must align with the decisions of the Akal Takht. The Sikh leadership underscored that divisive actions by individuals or groups under the influence of 'anti-Panthic forces' would not be allowed to weaken the unity of the Sikh community. In a major move, Akal Takht declared Gurdial Singh, additional head granthi at Takht Patna Sahib, 'tankhaiya' for his role in allegedly sowing discord and violating Akal Takht's directives. The Sikh community has been advised not to invite Gurdial Singh to any Panthic gatherings or 'Gurmat' events unless he personally appears before Akal Takht and seeks forgiveness within 15 days. Further, two members of the Takht Patna Sahib management committee — Harpal Singh (Johal) and Gurmeet Singh — were also declared 'tankhaiyas' for their alleged involvement in media campaigns challenging Akal Takht's authority. Both have been given an ultimatum to appear before the Akal Takht and seek forgiveness. Failure to do so will result in a social and religious boycott by the Sikh community, according to the decree. The controversy began on May 21 when Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj-led Sikh clergy, during a meeting at the Akal Takht, took notice of Takht Patna Sahib management's failure to comply with 2022 decree of the highest Sikh temporal seat, in which the management was asked to examine incumbent jathedar Baldev Singh's skill of Gurbani recitation and transfer of additional head Granthi Bhai Gurdial Singh. Following non-compliance, both were barred from performing Panthic duties by the Sikh clergy. Takht Patna Sahib committee leadership was ordered to present themselves before Akal Takht immediately for explanation. Hours after the pronouncement of the decree at Akal Takht, 'panj pyaras' also comprising Baldev Singh and Gurdial Singh issued a parallel decree, turning down the Akal Takht's decree and termed it as interference into the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib. It was stated by 'panj pyaras' that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was behind this conspiracy, who was asked to appear at Takht Patna Sahib in 10 days. Time for the appearance of Sukhbir was extended twice. However, the SAD president failed to appear. The move of Sikh clergy to acquit former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar in the allegations levelled against him, on the basis of the probe report, was also rejected by Takht Patna Sahib 'panj pyaras' who states that their prior decree declaring Gauhar 'tankhaiya' and excommunicating him still stands. Takht Patna Sahib had also stated that the decree of any other Takht will not be applicable at Takht Patna Sahib, nor it will be adhered to. Sikh scholars have weighed in on the growing crisis. Gurmeet Singh Sidhu, professor of religious studies in Punjabi University, Patiala, said: 'What has been done by Takht Patna Sahib is not as per Sikh tradition. None of the other Takhts are parallel bodies to the Akal Takht. They are basically supporting bodies of Akal Takht under the 'Panj Pardhani' system of Sikhs. Challenging supremacy of Akal Takht is unfortunate.' 'Jathedars of other Takhts should not interfere in the affairs of Akal Takht which is a supreme institution of the Sikhs', said noted Sikh historian and thinker Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, adding: 'First blunder was committed by Sukhbir Singh Badal by removing Punjab-based Takht jathedars. He should not have done it like that. There is a maryada and tradition of appointing and retiring a jathedar. He violated it. What has been done by Takht Patna Sahib panj pyaras is equally a wrong step.'
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Takht Patna Sahib decision against Sukhbir undermines Akal Takht: SGPC chief
Hours after the the panj pyare at Takht Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism's temporal seats of authority, declared Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for ignoring their summons twice, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday termed the act beyond their jurisdiction and one that creates confusion within the Panth (Sikh community). Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday said undermining the supremacy of Akal Takht is inappropriate and such actions could lead to discord within the Sikh community. (HT file photo) Expressing concern over the decision of the panj pyare (five beloved ones of the Guru), Dhami said in Amritsar that the traditions and customs of the Khalsa Panth are meant to resolve community issues not to create crises within the community. He said that undermining the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib, the supreme temporal seat of the faith, is inappropriate, and such actions could lead to discord within the Sikh community. Sukhbir was summoned by the panj pyare in Patna following allegations related to his role in supporting individuals found guilty of violating a 'hukamnama (religious edict)'. Despite repeated notices, they said Sukhbir did not respond. This non-compliance led them to declare tankhaiya, a term reserved in Sikh tradition for those found guilty of religious misconduct. Acknowledging that Takht Sri Patna Sahib holds respect within the Sikh world, Dhami said the authority to deliberate on Panthic matters rests solely with Akal Takht Sahib. He said that there is a longstanding historical tradition of Panthic issues being addressed jointly by the five Singh Sahibs (Sikh clergy) under the leadership of Akal Takht. 'It is this very tradition that has uplifted the Sikh community on the global stage,' he said. Dhami warned that if the supremacy of Akal Takht starts being challenged by other Takhts, it would damage the essence and richness of Sikh traditions. 'In the Sukhbir case, the way forward must be through mutual dialogue instead of visible conflict within the community. Sikh strength can be directed towards the community's interests, the prosperity of the Panth, and the promotion of Sikh values,' he added.
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Hans India
Influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabhi's murder: Police custody of two accused extended by 3 days
A city court has extended the police custody of two accused by three more days, in the murder case of Kanchan Kumari, popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi. Earlier, the Bathinda Police had secured two-day custody of the two accused -- Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh. Both men, belonging to Nihangs sect, an order in Sikhism identified with distinct blue robes and turbans -- were produced in the city court today, after expiry of two-day police remand. With the accused being resent into three-day police custody, the cops will interrogate the duo and seek to extract information about their third associate and the main conspirator -- Amritpal Singh Mehron, who still remains at large. Mehron, believed to be the main suspect accused in Kamal Kaur Bhabhi murder case has been absconding after committing the grave offence and is currently said to be hiding in Dubai. The murder case of social media influencer gained widespread attention after the body of Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi was found inside a car in the parking lot, three days ago. The two accused -- Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh were arrested after the body of influencer was recovered from the car. Kamal Kaur Bhabhi was targeted by three Nihangs, for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Sikh community. According to police, the key mastermind Amritpal Singh Mehron plotted a plan to entrap and isolate the social media influencer and then killed her by strangulating inside the car, along with two of his associates - who were subsequently apprehended by the Bathinda police. Mehron has also released a video on social media, claiming responsibility for the act. In the now-viral video, Mehron alleges that the influencer brought bad name to Sikh tradition with her 'obscene and vulgar' content and hence was punished. In the video, he is also heard warning other content creators and vloggers on social media to desist from defiling their religious gurus else they all will meet the same fate as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi. 'Our Gurus have given us the surnames of 'Singh' and 'Kaur' and we cannot allow women from other states to suffix the title of Kaur. Khalsa never attacks women, but when a woman targets our Takhts and mocks Sikh values, we won't spare them," he is heard saying in the video.
