Latest news with #Takhts
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.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Nihang Amritpal Singh Mehron claims responsibility for killing influencer Kamal Kaur, warns others against posting obscene videos
Amritpal Singh Mehron , a Nihang Sikh leader, has claimed responsibility for the murder of Punjabi social media influencer Kamal Kaur , also known online as Kanchan Kumari. Punjab Police began a murder investigation on Wednesday night after Kaur's body was found inside a car parked near Adesh Medical University in Bathinda. Mehron posted a video on social media taking responsibility for the act. In the video, he alleged that Kaur had defamed Sikh traditions and used the name 'Kaur' to share obscene content. He also issued a warning to other online creators. 'Khalsa never attacks women, but when a woman targets our Takhts and mocks Sikh values, she cannot be spared,' Mehron said. He showed clips of Kaur's past videos and vowed to stop the 'spread of vulgarity' in Punjab. Police arrest two Nihangs in connection with murder Meanwhile two Nihang Sikhs have been taken into custody for their suspected role in the crime. Authorities are investigating their possible links with Mehron and their involvement in the case. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo — Gagan4344 (@Gagan4344) Kamal Kaur, a Ludhiana resident, was known for her short videos on Instagram, where she had more than 3.83 lakh followers. Her content, often provocative, had previously attracted threats from religious groups and gangsters based overseas. Cops suspect body was dumped in parked car The car in which Kaur's body was found was reportedly registered in Ludhiana, but police suspect the registration number may be fake. Officers believe the murder may have happened at another location and the body was later placed in the vehicle. Live Events Local residents informed the police after noticing a foul smell from the parked car. Police then arrived, recovered the body, and traced the registration details. Kaur had left for Bathinda on June 9 to attend an event and had not contacted her family since then. Investigators are now examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to reconstruct Kaur's last known movements and identify all those involved in the crime.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal launches movement for Panth-approved jathedar appointments
Amritsar: Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal, chairman, Dharam Parchar Committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC), on Wednesday announced the launch of a movement to raise awareness among the Sikh community to adopt a "Panth Parvanit" (Panth-approved) system for the appointment of jathedars of the Takhts to prevent embarrassing incidents, such as those witnessed in recent times. Daduwal was here along with the HSGPC newly elected president Jagdish Singh Jhinda and its members to offer thanksgiving prayers at the Golden Temple. It is already a matter of concern that the jathedars of Takht Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib are rarely invited to meetings of the Sikh high priests convened in Punjab Takhts to deliberate on Panthic issues, according to Daduwal. The recent summoning of the jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), followed by the retaliatory declaration of the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj — who also serves as the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — and Baba Tek Singh, jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, as "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct), is deeply unfortunate and troubling, he added. "Such actions not only send a negative message but also undermine the dignity and unity of the Sikh high clergy, causing embarrassment for the Panth as a whole," observed Daduwal. Daduwal issued an appeal advocating for the appointment of jathedars through a process of collective and inclusive consultation. He emphasised the need for involving all significant Sikh religious bodies, including Sikh intellectuals, Nihang organisations, and others dedicated to the Sikh faith. He called for the establishment of a system wherein jathedars are appointed through unanimous consensus, free from the influence of any single group or political party. He said the HSGPC already initiated this movement and will continue to advance it both across India and internationally by engaging with Sikh intellectuals and religious bodies worldwide. At the same time, Daduwal expressed the view that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should not remain under the control of any single political party. "Our opponents in the Shiromani Akali Dal tried their best, but the Sikhs of Haryana succeeded in removing them from the HSGPC. Similarly, there is a growing sentiment among Sikhs in Punjab who do not want to see the SGPC dominated by one political party," he added. MSID:: 121464567 413 |
