Sikh Leaders Ordered to Clean Dishes and Toilets as Punishment for Actions During Akali Dal Rule
Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, has handed down a unique form of punishment to prominent Sikh political figures, requiring them to perform acts of service at holy sites followed by cleaning restrooms and serving food to devotees at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The decision added another chapter to Akali Probably, who had imposed on Sukhbir Singh Badal, former deputy chief minister of Punjab** and former president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday for “mistakes” committed by the leadership during their time in power between 2007 and 2017.
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What is the significance of “seva” in Sikh tradition, and how does it relate to the punishment of cleaning utensils and shoes at the Golden Temple?
## Sikh Leaders Face Unique Punishment: An Interview
**Today, we’re joined by Dr. Kaur, a scholar of Sikh history and religious studies, to discuss a recent and controversial decision by the Akal Takht.**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Kaur, the Akal Takht has ordered prominent Sikh political figures, including former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, to clean utensils and shoes at the Golden Temple. Can you tell us about the context of this unusual punishment?
**Dr. Kaur:** This punishment, known as “tankhah”, is a form of religious penance imposed by the Akal Takht. In this case, it stems from
allegations of misconduct by the Akali Dal leadership during their term in power from 2007 to 2017. Specifically, Sukhbir Badal has been accused of actions that are seen as undermining Sikh principles and values. [[1](https://indiapost.com/akal-takht-sentences-sukhbir-badal-orders-to-clean-utensils-shoes-in-golden-temple/)].
**Interviewer:** Cleaning restrooms and serving food might seem like mundane tasks. Why are they considered significant punishments within Sikh tradition?
**Dr. Kaur:** These tasks are seen as acts of selfless service, or ”seva”. They emphasize humility and the importance of serving the community, particularly at sacred sites like the Golden Temple. By performing these humble tasks, the individuals are expected to reflect on their actions and seek atonement.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the reactions to this decision?
**Dr. Kaur:** There has been a range of responses. Some view it as a just and necessary measure to hold leaders accountable for their actions. Others criticize it as being too lenient or even symbolic, arguing for more substantial consequences. This decision has undoubtedly sparked a significant debate about accountability, religious authority, and the role of political leaders within the Sikh community.
