Tensions Escalate Between Akal Takht and Patna Sahib Over Sukhbir Badal and Leadership Dispute

Patna: A rift between two of Sikhism’s five highest temporal seats – the Akal Takht and Takht Sri Patna Sahib – has deepened following a dispute over Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and the leadership of the Patna Sahib Takht.

On Saturday, the Takht Sri Patna Sahib declared Badal a Tankhaiya – a religious reprimand within Sikh tradition – for repeatedly failing to appear before its authorities despite being summoned three times. However, in a swift and controversial move, the Akal Takht, considered the supreme authority among Sikh temporal seats, overturned the decision the same day. It instead issued Tankhaiya orders against three individuals from Patna Sahib – Granthi Gurdayal Singh, committee members Gurmeet Singh and Harpal Singh – and directed the Takht’s managing committee to appear within 15 days.

The fallout escalated further on Sunday when the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Patna Sahib issued a Hukumnama – a religious edict – barring their officials and members from responding to the Akal Takht’s summons. They warned that anyone who did so risked being declared a permanent Tankhaiya.

Patna Sahib spokesperson Sudeep Singh questioned the legitimacy of the Akal Takht’s decision, stating that a proper Hukumnama requires consensus among all five Jathedars of the Takhts. The directive in this case, he argued, was issued solely by Kuldeep Singh Gargaj of Kesgarh Sahib and Giani Tek Singh of Takht Damdama Sahib – both of whom had previously been declared Tankhaiya by Patna Sahib on May 21, rendering their authority disputed in Patna Sahib’s view.

The origins of the row trace back to the controversial reinstatement of Ranjit Singh as Jathedar of Patna Sahib by Gargaj and Tek Singh. Ranjit Singh had earlier been removed from the post over allegations of financial misconduct involving jewellery and foreign donations. Patna Sahib rejected his reinstatement and accused Sukhbir Badal of interference, issuing notices which he allegedly ignored. While Akal Takht had once declared Badal a Tankhaiya in the past – prompting his public service punishment at the Golden Temple – it has since taken a more conciliatory stance.

The ongoing conflict has now drawn concern from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, who expressed dismay over the escalating row and its implications for the Sikh community. Dhami has urged both Takhts to seek resolution through dialogue.

The discord also highlights a broader, long-standing power struggle within Sikh religious governance. While three Takhts – including Akal Takht – fall under SGPC control and have historical alignment with the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Takhts in Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Hazur Sahib (Maharashtra) often operate independently and have clashed with SGPC decisions in the past. Separate management bodies in Delhi and Haryana have further fragmented Sikh institutional authority.