The Akal Takht, the highest temporal body for Sikhs, has punished senior Akali leaders including former Punjab Deputy CM and SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal for their involvement in the 2015 sacrilege incidents. As penance, Badal and others have been assigned tasks such as cleaning, washing, and guard duty, and have had titles and benefits revoked. This event represents a historic moment in Punjab politics, showcasing the authority of the Akal Takht and the humbling of once-powerful figures.
Dera Sacha Sauda and Akal Takht's Punishment of Akali Leaders
Background
Dera Sacha Sauda is a controversial religious organization headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana. Its leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan, has been convicted of rape and murder and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. In 2015, incidents of sacrilege of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, took place in Punjab. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal body for Sikhs, accused members of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of involvement in the sacrilege.
Punishment of Akali Leaders
In a historic ruling, the Akal Takht on August 28, 2023, punished senior Akali leaders for their alleged role in the sacrilege incidents. The leaders included former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal, his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and former Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema.
As penance, the leaders were assigned various tasks, including:
Significance
The Akal Takht's decision represents a major setback for the Akali Dal and Sukhbir Badal, who have been dominant figures in Punjab politics for decades. It showcases the authority of the Akal Takht and its ability to hold powerful individuals accountable.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: Why were the Akali leaders punished? A: They were accused of involvement in the 2015 sacrilege incidents of the Sikh holy book.
Q2: What are the specific tasks assigned to the leaders as penance? A: They include cleaning utensils, performing guard duty, and revoking their titles within the SAD.
Q3: Is this the first time that the Akal Takht has punished political leaders? A: No, the Akal Takht has previously punished Sikh politicians found guilty of misconduct or sacrilege.
Q4: What is the significance of the Akal Takht's ruling? A: It showcases the authority of the Akal Takht as the highest temporal body for Sikhs and its ability to hold powerful individuals accountable.
Q5: What is the future of the Akali Dal after this ruling? A: It remains uncertain, but the ruling is likely to weaken the party's position in Punjab politics.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for a two-day state visit to hold discussions with Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties. The capital city, adorned with Indian flags, welcomes the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 2011. The visit reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries, as partners in the Global South, to strengthening friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining, digital public infrastructure, Solar Alliance and cybersecurity."
In a strongly worded statement, politician Shashi Tharoor expressed his opposition to the VB-G RAM G Bill that aims to replace MNREGA. Tharoor argued that the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme goes against its core values and also criticized other proposed changes such as financial alterations and a shift of responsibility to states. The politician believes that the Bill poses a threat to the principles of federalism and that the scheme should not be made subject to executive notification.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to establish a new rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and seeks to provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment to each rural household. The government is determined to pass the bill in this parliamentary session and failure to do so could complicate budgetary provisions.
In a significant move to improve academic standards, India's new Viksit Bharat Adhishthan Bill, 2025, places student feedback at the heart of higher education accreditation. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the National Education Policy 2020, announced that for the first time, students will have a direct impact on accreditation outcomes. The new framework will also increase institutional autonomy and encourage innovation, but with a strong emphasis on accountability through transparent student-led evaluations. The consolidation of regulators and accreditation bodies aims to streamline and strengthen the quality of higher education in India.
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, a day commemorating India's 1971 victory over Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, paid his respects to the brave soldiers who showed indomitable courage, leading to the liberation of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. The date also marks the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the Indian Armed Forces and is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also highlighted the 1971 victory as a great example of humanity and justice under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Senior Congress leaders respond to Delhi court's refusal to take ED's chargesheet in the National Herald-Young Indian case, emphasizing the lack of evidence and foundation of the case. They accuse the BJP of exaggeration and targeting the opposition, claiming that the ruling has validated their long-held belief that the case is politically motivated. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlights the legality and commonality of corporate restructuring, while Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal condemns the Modi government's targeting of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi without any legal basis.
The Congress party declared a moral and legal triumph after the Delhi court dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet in the National Herald-Young Indian case. The judge noted that the chargesheet was based on a private complaint rather than an FIR, making it legally inadmissible. The Congress accused the Modi government of maliciously targeting its leaders and misusing central agencies for political gain. They vowed to continue fighting for truth and democratic rights, asserting that nothing could deter them from their mission.
India commemorates Vijay Diwas every year on December 16 to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. As part of this year's celebrations, the Indian Army displayed a reconstructed Turkish armed drone, Yiiha, which was shot down by India during Operation Sindoor on May 10. The Kamikaze class of drones, also known as "suicide drones," were used by Pakistan to target Indian military and civilian installations, but were almost all destroyed by the Indian military.
India celebrates the 54th Vijay Diwas, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, pay glowing tributes to the armed forces and their unmatched courage. The Army marks the occasion by recalling the historic triumph and the flawless coordination between different branches of the military, with an impressive Military Tattoo in Kolkata.
Renowned spiritual leader and former BJP MP, Ram Vilas Vedanti, passed away at the age of 67 due to a heart attack. Known for his significant role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Vedanti had been admitted to a hospital in Rewa for a blood infection and low blood pressure. Attempts to transport him to a better medical facility were unsuccessful due to bad weather. Political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed their condolences and praised Vedanti's contributions to society.