On 2 Dec, Sukhbir Singh Badal and the entire 2012-2017 Panjab cabinet arrived at the Akal Takht (eternal throne; AT) for their public hearing (SDW Vol 2, Issue 48, Story 4). Badal arrived in a wheelchair due to an earlier foot surgery. AT Jathedar (leader) Giani Raghbir Singh subjected Badal to questions insisting on only Yes or No answers. The questions ranged from SAD veering away from its ideal, disrespecting the Akali martyrs to cases of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. When asked about the pardon awarded to Sacha Sauda Dera chief Ram Rahim in 2015, Badal fumbled but eventually said Yes, admitting his fault. Similarly, the Jathedar subjected every SAD leader to scrutiny. He asked them if they had recommended promotions for those accused of killing Sikh youth, and if these matters came to the cabinet for decisions. It was clear that most decisions by the SAD-BJP govt. were unilaterally taken by Badal. While the SAD leaders confessed to being complicit in the decisions with their silence, Prem Singh Chandumajra denied the allegations against him. However, the Jathedar confronted him with evidence from his statements in newspapers. The Jathedar even went to the extent of saying, ‘Don’t lie.’ Finally, the Jathedars awarded seva (service) to the wrongdoers which ranged from standing on guard duty, to cleaning vessels, and to listening to kirtan (devotional singing). Badal was punished at par with other leaders and the AT revoked the title Faqr-e-Qaum (Sikh Nation’s jewel) it had previously bestowed upon former CM late Parkash Singh Badal. The proceedings displayed that Sikhi places importance on public admittance of guilt and seeking forgiveness.
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