Religious Punishment to SGPC Chief; Phoolka Asks SAD to Follow Advice

On 20 Dec, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, underwent tankhah (religious punishment) imposed by the Panj Pyare (Five Loved Ones) after an audio clip of him using ‘foul’ language against his predecessor, Bibi Jagir Kaur, started circulating on social media. Dhami met the Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedar (leader) at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar and then presented himself before the Panj Pyare, who directed him to perform an hour of voluntary service in the shoe storage area, another hour cleaning utensils in the langar (community free kitchen) area, and to recite five Japji Sahibs (morning prayers). Although Dhami had previously issued a written apology and later appeared before the Punjab State Commission for Women to apologize, the commission declined to accept it. Kaur demanded legal action, asserting that Dhami should not escape accountability. Questions remain about any additional legal measures sought by Kaur and the Women’s Commission. Meanwhile, on the SAD delay in accepting the AT instructions to accept resignations of all members, advocate Harvinder Singh Phoolka wrote to the AT Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, arguing that it is contradictory for a political party—SAD—to control a supreme Sikh institution like the AT while simultaneously dismissing its ‘suggestions’ as unconstitutional. Citing the Supreme Court of India’s rulings, he noted that the Election Commission lacks authority to cancel a registered party’s status merely for restructuring or leadership changes, thus nullifying the concern that the SAD’s registration might be rescinded. (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 52, Story 1). In another incident, Sikh activist Bakshish Singh, narrowly escaped an attack near Patiala South Bypass road around 1 am on 29 Dec after assailants fired at his car. The incident occurred as Singh, who had raised issues including the plight of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), was returning from Gurdwara Karhali Sahib. Singh noted he had earlier returned his police protection but received it again after suspects linked to the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh were arrested (SDW Vol 2, Issue 43, Story 5).