Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has been summoned to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days by the Sikh clergy. This comes in light of the apology granted to Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and the controversy surrounding the SGPC's expenditure of Rs.90 lakh on advertisements for the apology. Badal has expressed his devotion and humility towards the order of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Background
The Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) is a spiritual organization headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana, India. Its founder and head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, has been convicted for rape and murder. In 2017, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body that manages Sikh religious shrines, granted an apology to Singh for blasphemy he had committed. This apology sparked widespread controversy among Sikhs.
Current Controversy
The controversy reignited in January 2023 when it was revealed that the SGPC had spent Rs.90 lakh on advertisements for the apology. This led to accusations that the SGPC was using public funds to appease a convicted criminal.
Akal Takht's Summons
On March 1, 2023, the Akal Takht, the supreme religious authority for Sikhs, summoned Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal to appear before it within 15 days. Badal is facing charges of disrespecting Sikh religious sentiments and colluding with the Dera Sacha Sauda.
Badal's Response
Badal has expressed his devotion and humility towards the order of the Akal Takht Sahib. He has said that he will appear before the religious body and answer the charges against him.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the Dera Sacha Sauda?
The Dera Sacha Sauda is a spiritual organization founded in 1948 in Sirsa, Haryana. It has a large following in North India and abroad.
2. Why was Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh convicted?
Singh was convicted in 2017 for raping two female followers and murdering a journalist.
3. Why did the SGPC apologize to Singh?
The SGPC claimed that Singh had publicly apologized for blasphemy he had committed against Sikhism.
4. Why was the apology controversial?
The apology was controversial because many Sikhs believed that it was inappropriate to forgive a convicted criminal.
5. What is the significance of the Akal Takht's summons?
The Akal Takht's summons is a serious matter for Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal. If found guilty of the charges against him, Badal could face excommunication from the Sikh community.
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