A delegation of opposition members in the SGPC met Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Monday, urging him to summon SAD president Sukhbir Badal for an explanation on his alleged remarks that he was given a religious punishment by high priests under a conspiracy.
Badal had allegedly made the remarks at a rally in Muktsar earlier this month.
Five Sikh high priests had held Badal and other party leaders guilty of religious misconduct on December 2, 2024, for mistakes committed during the SAD rule from 2007-17.
The mounting pressure over the issue had earlier forced Badal to quit as the SAD chief, only to return as its president through organisational poll in April last year.
The delegation was led by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive member Mithu Singh Kahneke. They submitted a memorandum in this regard to Gargaj.
Kahneke, an opposition member in the SAD-controlled SGPC, said if strict action was not taken, it would set a wrong precedent and could lead to disregard for orders of the Akal Takht in future.
They also sought strict action against Badal for “questioning” the decree of the Sikh high priests.
Kahneke said Badal’s statement was an insult to the tradition and religious dignity of the Akal Takht — the highest temporal seat for the Sikhs