Amritsar, Dec 5 (IANS) Darshan Singh, a former head of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion, was Saturday declared a “tankhaiya” (guilty of religious misconduct) by the top Sikh clergy here.
The announcement was made by Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh after a meeting of the top five Sikh clergymen held here.

“He has hurt the sentiments of the (Sikh) community. He did not appear before us due to his ego. If he continues to violate the ruling, further action would be taken against him,” the Akal Takht head said.

Darshan Singh had run into a controversy over certain remarks he made recently in the United States against the “Dasham Granth” written by 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh.

He was summoned by the Sikh clergy here Dec 5 to respond to allegations of violating Sikh tenets.

Darshan Singh Saturday came till the Akal Takht, located opposite the holiest of Sikh shrines, the Harmandar Sahib, inside the Golden Temple complex, but refused to enter the building where the Sikh clergymen were waiting for him.

He demanded that they come down to meet him as he wanted to put up his side in full view of the public and not behind closed doors.

This resulted in a stalemate and finally the clergy decided to initiate action against him.

The former Akal Takht head has been asked to appear before the Akal Takht by Jan 7 and accept punishment, failing which further action would be taken against him.

During this period, he has been barred from attending any religious function. People have also been asked not to invite him for an religious functions.