Akal Takht Orders Takht Patna Sahib to Revoke "Tankhaiyah" Declaration Against Jathedars
A day after the “Panj Pyaras” (the Guru’s five beloved ones) of Takht Sri Patna Sahib declared two jathedars of other Takhts “tankhaiyah” (guilty of religious misconduct), the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar has issued a stern directive demanding the immediate withdrawal of the declaration. The Secretariat warned of serious consequences if the order is not complied with promptly.
In an official statement, the Akal Takht Secretariat emphasized the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib over all Sikh Takhts, as per the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct). "No group of Panj Pyaras from any Takht Sahib holds the authority to question the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” the statement read.
It further clarified that while Takht Sri Patna Sahib can govern its local religious customs and rituals, all matters related to broader religious disputes fall under the sole jurisdiction of Akal Takht Sahib. Its rulings are final and binding for the entire Sikh community.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when the Panj Pyaras of Takht Patna Sahib declared the jathedars of Akal Takht (Giani Gargaj) and Takht Damdama Sahib (Baba Tek Singh) guilty of religious misconduct. They also summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of interfering in the internal affairs of the Patna Sahib shrine.
This action was taken just hours after five Sikh high priests, including Giani Gargaj and Baba Tek Singh, summoned the entire management of Takht Sri Patna Sahib for failing to comply with prior Akal Takht directives.
In a December 6, 2022 order, the Akal Takht had instructed the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib to have Bhai Baldev Singh (a member of the Panj Pyaras) recite the Panj Banian (five daily prayers), with the recording sent to the Akal Takht. The committee was also directed to transfer another Panj Pyara, Bhai Gurdial Singh, to a different location. These orders, issued by the five Sikh high priests under then acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, were reportedly never implemented.
Adding to the controversy, the Akal Takht noted that several complaints of anti-Gurmat behavior had been received against the Granthi Singhs of Patna Sahib who participated in the controversial declaration. These included allegations of family members being Patit (apostate) and involvement in tobacco use—serious breaches of Sikh conduct.
The Secretariat also cited Section 79 of the constitution and bylaws of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, which affirms Akal Takht’s ultimate authority in religious matters, reinforcing that its decisions must be accepted without challenge.
The situation highlights a growing rift between the Takhts and underscores ongoing concerns over unity and adherence to established Sikh religious governance.
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