Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has admitted to making a mistake in granting a controversial pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. The admission came during a crucial meeting of the Five Sikh High Priests held on Monday at Shri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar.
The Akal Takht Sahib convened the meeting to address the fallout from the pardon, which had led to widespread anger within the Sikh community. Sukhbir Badal, who was declared Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) on August 30, arrived at the religious site in a wheelchair due to a leg fracture.
In addition to Sukhbir Badal, the meeting summoned former ministers from the SAD-led government (2007–2017), members of the 2015 Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive, and current SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Other prominent leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Daljit Singh Cheema, Karnail Singh Panjoli, and Gurcharan Singh Grewal, denied any wrongdoing.
Sukhbir Badal and 17 former Akali ministers had previously submitted written clarifications to the Akal Takht Sahib. Badal had urged the High Priests to expedite their decision, emphasizing that more than three months had passed since his Tankhaiya declaration.
The Akal Takht’s impending verdict is expected to have significant implications for Sukhbir Badal’s political and religious standing, as well as for the Shiromani Akali Dal’s credibility in addressing past controversies.