AMRITSAR (TIP): Akal Takht on October 5 excommunicated former Akali minister Sucha Singh Langah from the community for hurting Sikh sentiments after his arrest in a rape case. The decision was taken at a meeting of the five High Priests in the light of complaints to Akal Takht.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh pronounced the ‘hukumnama’ (edict) from the podium of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.

“Langah has brought disrepute to the Sikhs with such immoral, disgraceful and blasphemous acts. Akal Takht has taken cognisance of the news reports and a number of complaints received against him from the Sikh Sangat after his video went viral and he was booked. An expert panel’s suggestion was sought and after deliberations, the five High Priests unanimously decided to excommunicate him,” he said.

The Jathedar cautioned that anyone who has been involved in such immoral activities must not be included in any religious organisation in future. He announced that though Langah had been discharged from all positions, be it with the SGPC or SAD, if he was still associated with any Sikh organisation, he should be immediately removed and no “ardas” should be performed in his name.

PPCC general secretary Amarjit Singh Tikka had forwarded the video clip to the Jathedar, seeking strict action against the senior Akali leader.

Various Sikh organisations had also called for strict action.

Langah, a baptised Sikh, was in the race to become the SGPC president when Kirpal Singh Badungar occupied the coveted seat. He was a member of SAD’s core committee and district unit president of Gurdaspur until a case was registered against him by a lady police constable, who alleged that she was exploited for over eight years. He was arrested yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Akal Takht Jathedar, when asked if there was any provision under which the disgraced Akali leader could be brought back to the religious fold, said, “The tenets dictate that any Sikh who has been excommunicated could appear before Akal Takht and submit his apology, but ultimately it would be the sole discretion of the five High Priests to consider it or not.”

Source: The Tribune