Former Akali Dal Chief Serves Punishment at Golden Temple Following 2015 Sacrilege Case
Former Punjab Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal began serving his religious punishment today at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Akali Dal chief, indicted in connection with the 2015 sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, was seen seated in a wheelchair by the temple entrance, bearing a plaque around his neck and holding a ceremonial spear.
Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Badal’s brother-in-law, joined him in observing the punishment handed down by the Akal Takht. Mr. Majithia commenced his sentence by washing utensils at the Golden Temple.
Sukhbir Singh Badal has been sentenced by the Akal Takht to serve as a ‘sewadar’ and perform cleaning duties in kitchens and bathrooms at various gurdwaras. The punishment divorced of
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Mr. Badal and various members of the Akali Dal’s core committee, many of whom served in the 2015 cabinet, will clean restrooms at the Golden Temple for an hour, commencing at noon Observing.
Following their cleaning duties, they will perform the Sikh ritual of bathing and subsequently participate in serving langar,
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– What are the potential political ramifications of the Akal Takht’s decision to punish Sukhbir Badal, given his prominent position in Sikh politics?
## Former Akali Dal Chief Serves Punishment at Golden Temple
**Introduction**
Joining us today is Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, a scholar specializing in Sikh history and contemporary politics. Dr. Kaur, thank you for being here.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen images circulating of former Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal cleaning toilets at the Golden Temple. This follows a sentence handed down by the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest temporal authority. Can you help us understand the context behind this unusual punishment?
**Dr. Kaur:** Certainly. This punishment stems from the 2015 sacrilege incident involving the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. Sukhbir Badal, along with other leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal, was accused of supporting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who was implicated in the sacrilege. The Akal Takht, taking a strong stance against the desecration and those perceived to be complicit, imposed this unique penalty as a form of atonement.
**Interviewer:** This is certainly a strong symbolic act. What does it say about the gravity of the sacrilege and the Akal Takht’s stance on this issue?
**Dr. Kaur:** The Akal Takht’s decision underscores the deep reverence Sikhs hold for their holy scripture. The act of cleaning toilets, traditionally considered a humble service, represents a form of penitence and purification. It signifies Badal’s acknowledgement of his perceived wrongdoing and a plea for forgiveness from the Sikh community.
**Interviewer:** How has this punishment been received within the Sikh community and by the political sphere?
**Dr. Kaur:** [1] The reactions have been mixed. Some Sikhs view it as a strong deterrent against future sacrilege and a sign of the Akal Takht’s commitment to upholding religious sanctity. Others criticize it as a public humiliation and question its effectiveness in addressing the underlying political and social issues that contributed to the sacrilege.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Kaur, for shedding light on this complex situation.
Please remember that this is a brief interview and does not fully encompass the nuances of this issue.
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