Sri Akal Takht Conclave issues key religious directives: VC Karamjit Singh, Jaswant Singh, Virsa Valtoha and others given Tankhah after seeking pardon
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), December 8, 2025: In a major Panthic development, the Five Singh Sahibaan convened a significant meeting at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Monday, issuing a series of important religious directives and announcing tankhah (religious discipline) for several individuals who appeared to admit mistakes and seek forgiveness.
Click the link to read the directives by Sri Akal Takht: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K_4512xL8iHf0fSlmZSLmPs8soPNOGKA/view?usp=sharing
The meeting was presided over by Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, along with Giani Tek Singh (Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib), Giani Kewal Singh (Granthi, Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib), Giani Joginder Singh (Head Granthi, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib), and Giani Mangal Singh, representing the Punj Pyare.
1. Dr. Karamjit Singh – Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University
Accused of making remarks in South India that allegedly diluted Sikh identity, Dr. Karamjit Singh admitted his mistake.
Tankhah imposed:
- Utensil-washing and footwear-cleaning seva for two days at Sri Harmandar Sahib
- Recitation of Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar, and Tav Prasad Savaiye for five days
- Read and distribute 500 copies of Hum Hindu Nahin
- Offer ₹1100 Karah Parshad and deposit ₹1100 in golak
2. Jaswant Singh – Director, Punjab Language Department
He sought pardon for organising a dance–music event during the 350th Shaheedi anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and for writings lacking reverence.
Tankhah imposed:
- Two days of seva at Gurdwara Dukhnivaran Sahib, Patiala
- Four-day recitation of Japji Sahib, Sukhmani Sahib, Zafarnama
- Read and distribute 100 copies of Iti Jin Kari
- Offer ₹1100 Karah Parshad and ₹1100 Golak
3. Giani Gurbachan Singh – Former Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Appeared regarding his past decision to pardon the Dera Sirsa chief.
Tankhah imposed:
- Two days of seva at Sri Harmandar Sahib
- Recitation of Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar, Jaap Sahib for two days
- Deg and Golak deposit
4. Bhai Harinder Singh – Nirvair Khalsa Jatha UK
Apologised for statements contrary to Gurmat; his preaching ban was lifted.
Tankhah imposed:
- Two days of seva at Sri Harmandar Sahib
- Recitation of Japji Sahib, Anand Sahib (40 pauris) and Zafarnama
- Ritual bath in Harmandar Sahib Sarovar and Deg/Golak deposit
- Directed to preach strictly per Gurmat and Sikh Rehat Maryada
5. Virsa Singh Valtoha – Akali Dal Leader
Accused of making baseless remarks against respected Sikh personalities.
Tankhah imposed:
- Seva across major Takhts: Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Talwandi Sabo, Anandpur Sahib
- Recitation of Japji Sahib, Benti Chaupai, Ramkali Ki Vaar for 11 days
- Deg and Golak deposit
The 10-year restriction imposed on him in 2024 was revoked with a stern warning.
Other Major Decisions
- Concerns about the overlap of the Sahibzadas’ Shaheedi Day and Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Parkash Purab (27 December) were discussed; Jathedar clarified no date change has been made.
- Conclave reiterated that both events can be observed through Gurmat Samagams, highlighting martyrdom as Chardi Kala.
- Strict instructions issued to ragis, including Bhai Kulwinder Singh Kharar and Bhai Mehtab Singh Jalandhar, to perform only in classical raag-based Gurmat Sangeet, avoiding non-traditional or loud "azan-style" renditions.
All individuals summoned appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, acknowledged their errors, and accepted the Panthic directives issued by the Five Singh Sahibaan.