Patna, June 1, 2025 — In a significant escalation within the Sikh religious establishment, the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib have summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, directing him to appear within ten days over accusations of interference in the Takht’s internal religious affairs.
The summons stems from allegations that Badal played a role in reinstating excommunicated Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar, a move that has sparked fierce controversy within the community. The Panj Pyare contend that the SAD leader’s involvement amounts to an encroachment on the spiritual and administrative independence of the Patna Takht.
In the same religious decree, the Panj Pyare also pronounced Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, and Baba Tek Singh, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, as “Tankhaiya” a designation for those guilty of religious misconduct for issuing directives that reportedly contravened decisions already taken by Takht Patna Sahib.
The Panj Pyare have gone a step further, asserting that no directive issued by Akal Takht or any other Takht will be considered binding at Takht Patna Sahib. This declaration marks a major rupture in the unified authority traditionally maintained across the five Takhts of Sikhism, raising concerns over a deepening divide between the Patna-based Takht and the SGPC-backed Akal Takht in Amritsar.
In response to the emerging conflict, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formed a delegation tasked with opening lines of dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis and preserving panthic unity.
As of now, Sukhbir Singh Badal has not issued a public statement or indicated whether he will comply with the summons. Failure to appear could lead to severe religious consequences under Sikh traditions, including possible excommunication or public rebuke.
This development represents one of the most serious clashes in recent years within Sikh religious leadership, and all eyes are now on how the SAD chief and other involved parties will respond in the coming days.
