Key Decisions Announced at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Meeting of the Five Singh Sahibaan

 Amritsar, 8 December 2025,Nazrana Times Beuro
 

A significant meeting of the Five Singh Sahibaan was held today at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. During the session, various religious matters were discussed, and decisions were delivered regarding mistakes admitted by several individuals who appeared before the Takht.
The meeting was led by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaaj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Other members present included Giani Tek Singh (Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib), Giani Kawal Singh (Granthi, Sachkhand Sri Harimandar Sahib), Giani Juginder Singh (Head Granthi, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib) and Giani Mangal Singh, representing the Panj Piare of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The gathering reviewed matters related to:
• The coinciding dates of the martyrdom anniversary of the Younger Sahibzaadey and the Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 27 December,
• Preservation of the traditional raag-based Gurmat Sangeet style,
• And disciplinary issues raised against several individuals.
All individuals summoned by the Akal Takht appeared before the Five Singh Sahibaan, acknowledged their mistakes, and sought forgiveness. After hearing their submissions, the Singh Sahibaan assigned religious services (tankhah) as per Panthic tradition and maryada.
Actions and Decisions Against Individuals
1. Dr. Karamjeet Singh (Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University)
He faced allegations of making statements perceived as undermining Sikh distinct identity during an event in South India.
After accepting his mistake, the Akal Takht imposed the following tankhah:
• Wash used utensils for one hour daily for two days in the langar hall of Sri Harimandar Sahib, and clean footwear in the jora ghar.
• For five days, recite Japji Sahib, Asa di Vaar, and Tav-Prasad Savaiye in addition to his regular Nitnem.
• Read the book “Hum Hindu Nahin” by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha and distribute 500 copies among the sangat.
• After completing the tankhah, offer Rs 1100 deg of karah parshad and Rs 1100 in golak and perform ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
2. Jaswant Singh (Director, Punjab Language Department)
He organised a dance-and-music programme in Srinagar during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which hurt Sikh sentiments.
His tankhah:
• Two days of seva at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala:
• One hour washing utensils and one hour cleaning footwear.
• For four days, recite Japji Sahib, Sukhmani Sahib, and Zafarnama in addition to Nitnem.
• Read the book “Iti Jini Kari – Jeevan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji” by Principal Satbir Singh and distribute 100 copies among the sangat.
• Conclude with Rs 1100 deg and Rs 1100 in golak at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
3. Former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh
He sought forgiveness for the past decision of granting pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
Tankhah:
• Two days of seva at Sri Harimandar Sahib langar: utensil washing and footwear cleaning.
• Recitation for two days of Japji Sahib, Asa di Vaar, and Jaap Sahib along with Nitnem.
• Rs 1100 deg + Rs 1100 golak deposit at Sri Akal Takht Sahib after completion.
4. Bhai Harinder Singh (Nirvair Khalsa Jatha UK)
He apologised for making statements considered contrary to Gurmat.
The Singh Sahibaan accepted his apology and lifted the restriction on his preaching, with the following conditions:

• His future preaching must strictly follow Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh Rehat Maryada, and Panthic traditions.
• He must avoid personal comments about any groups.
• Encourage sangat through Sikh history and sakhiyaan.
• Perform utensil-washing and footwear-cleaning seva for two days at Sri Harimandar Sahib.
• Recite Japji Sahib, full Anand Sahib (40 pauris), and Zafarnama for two days.
• Complete tankhah with sarovar ishnaan, Rs 1100 deg, and Rs 1100 golak at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
5. Virsa Singh Valtoha (Leader, Shiromani Akali Dal)
Accused of making baseless comments against respected Sikh personalities.
He apologised before the Akal Takht.
The Five Singh Sahibaan lifted the 10-year ban imposed on him by the Akali Dal (as per order dated 15 October 2024).
Conditions and tankhah:
• Avoid any derogatory statements against religious personalities in future.
• Maintain restraint and unity in speech, keeping in mind the high character of the Khalsa Panth.
• Seva schedule:
• 3 days at Sri Harimandar Sahib
• 2 days at Sri Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran
• 1 day each at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
(one hour utensil washing + one hour footwear cleaning each day)
• For 11 days, recite Japji Sahib, Kabiyo Bach Benti Chaupai, and Ramkali ki Vaar (Bhai Balwand & Satta Dum).
• Conclude with Rs 1100 deg and Rs 1100 golak at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Discussion on December 27 Observances
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the Martyrdom Day of the Younger Sahibzaadey and the Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji falling on the same date (27 December).
Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaaj clarified:
• There has been no change in the Gurpurab date; it falls on 27 December according to the calendar.
• If sangats feel difficulty in observing Gurpurab amid martyrdom days, they may organise events earlier or later as per convenience.
• As per Gurmat, martyrdom is a symbol of Chardi Kala, and Sikh commemorations should follow Gurmat-based ceremonies.
• Sangats traditionally observe Gurpurab and Shaheedi days across several days, and they may continue to do so with devotion.
Preservation of Raag-Based Gurmat Sangeet

Complaints against ragi jathas Bhai Kulwinder Singh (Kharar) and Bhai Mehtab Singh (Jalandhar) were discussed. They were accused of singing kirtan loudly in a style resembling the azaan, which does not align with traditional Gurmat Sangeet.
Decision:
• Both ragis were strictly instructed to perform kirtan only in the prescribed raag-based Gurmat Sangeet style.
• All ragis in the Panth were similarly directed to adhere strictly to traditional raag-based maryada in kirtan.