SAD blamed for defying decree: Takht calls clergy meet on Jan 28

Amid objections to the alleged non-compliance of the December 2 hukamnama (Sikh decree) in totality by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Thursday called a crucial meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) on January 28.

- Surjit Singh

AMRITSAR:

A spokesperson said that Panthic issues, including the allegations against the SAD, would be taken up at the meeting that would start at 11am on Tuesday.

On December 2, the Sikh clergy, led by the Akal Takht jathedar, had pronounced 'tankhah (religious punishment)' on SAD leaders, including former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, for mistakes committed by the party and its government from 2007-17.

On the complaint of rebel Akali leaders, the clergy had directed the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation as party chief in three days, besides forming a panel to hold elections for the post of SAD president and office-bearers within six months.

The SAD leaders completed the religious penance in time but the compliance of the political part of the decree was delayed.