Akal Takht Accepts Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale's Apology, Reinstates Preaching Rights Under Conditions

• May 22, 2025

In a significant development within the Sikh religious sphere, the five Sikh high priests on Wednesday accepted the apology of controversial preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale after he appeared before the Akal Takht and pledged to uphold Sikh tenets moving forward.

Dhadrianwale had drawn criticism between 2019 and 2020 over allegations of delivering distorted interpretations of Sikh history and philosophy. Despite repeated summons by a sub-committee of the Akal Takht, he failed to appear on three occasions. On August 24, 2020, based on an adverse report from the sub-committee, the Akal Takht issued a directive asking the Sikh community to socially boycott him until he sought forgiveness.

However, in a reconciliatory gesture, Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj extended an invitation on April 22 to controversial Sikh preachers, including Dhadrianwale, to clarify past issues. Responding to the call, Dhadrianwale submitted a written apology, claiming that many of his statements had been misrepresented or politically manipulated. He expressed his willingness to align with the Sikh propagation campaign spearheaded by Giani Gargaj.

Appearing before the Akal Takht, Dhadrianwale acknowledged his past missteps and reaffirmed his commitment to preaching in accordance with Gurmat (Sikh tenets) and the Akal Takht-approved code of conduct. Giani Gargaj personally questioned him from the Takht’s podium, to which Dhadrianwale responded with humility and a desire to work within the mainstream Sikh community.

As a symbolic act of atonement and acceptance, Dhadrianwale offered deg (karah parshad) worth ₹501 at the Akal Takht—a traditional gesture of humility and reconciliation. The high priests permitted him to resume his preaching, provided it remains in strict adherence to Sikh values and traditions.

Other Notable Apologies and Penalties

Giani Gurmukh Singh:
The former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib also appeared before the Akal Takht, seeking forgiveness for his role in the highly controversial 2015 pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. His apology was accepted, and he was directed to perform sewa (voluntary service) for 11 days, including dishwashing at the Golden Temple’s kitchen and cleaning shoes at the joda ghar (shoe storage area). He must also recite Gurbani and offer karah parshad worth ₹1,100 at the Akal Takht.

Harvinder Singh Sarna:
The former president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) expressed regret for making inappropriate remarks against Sikh scholars and clergy. His apology was accepted with a directive to recite Japji Sahib and Chaupai Sahib daily for 11 days and offer karah parshad worth ₹501 at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

These developments reflect a broader effort by the Akal Takht to encourage accountability and reconciliation within the Sikh community while reinforcing adherence to traditional values and the authority of Sikh institutions.