Sri Akal Takht lifts ban, grants pardon to Virsa Singh Valtoha, former Jathedar Gurbachan Singh, GNDU VC
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), December 8, 2025: In a significant development, the Five Singh Sahibaan, led by Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, have withdrawn sanctions and granted formal pardon to three prominent figures—Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, and Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Karamjit Singh.
During the meeting, the Panj Singh Sahibaan revisited the case of Virsa Singh Valtoha, who previously faced disciplinary action for making statements against Sikh clergy and for controversies involving former Jathedars. Appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Valtoha accepted his mistakes and sought forgiveness.
Considering his apology, the high priests lifted the 10-year ban imposed on him under Resolution No. 2024. He has also been directed to abstain from issuing any statements against religious figures in the future. The clergy reminded him to maintain restraint and uphold the dignity expected from someone associated with the legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale.
Valtoha has been assigned religious service (Tankhah), which includes:
- Cleaning utensils and sweeping floors in Langar Halls of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Tarn Taran Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib, and Sri Anandpur Sahib for several days
- Daily recitation of Japji Sahib, Chopai Sahib, and Ramkali Ki Vaar for 11 days
- Offering Karah Prasad and a donation of ₹1100 at Sri Akal Takht Sahib upon completion
Valtoha accepted the directives in full.
Former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh Also Pardoned
The Five Singh Sahibaan also lifted the ban earlier imposed on former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh in connection with the 2015 pardon granted to Dera Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. His apology was accepted, clearing his name of previous restrictions.
GNDU VC Dr. Karamjit Singh Granted Pardon
Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Dr. Karamjit Singh, who had made controversial remarks regarding Sikh identity during an event in South India, personally appeared before Akal Takht Sahib and apologized.
His assigned religious service includes:
- Two days of cleaning utensils and serving the sangat at Sri Harmandir Sahib
- Recitation of Japji Sahib, Asa Ki Vaar, Tav Prasad Savaiye, and other Nitnem passages
- Reading Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s book Hum Hindu Nahin and distributing 500 copies among the sangat
- Offering ₹1100 Karah Prasad and depositing ₹1100 in Guru Ki Golak
All three individuals bowed before the Takht Sahib and their apologies were accepted, marking a major step toward reconciliation within the Sikh community.