BJP Punjab spokesperson and Sikh thinker Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala has stated that the statement recorded by former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Behbal Kalan firing case, against Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, has raised serious questions at both Panthic and constitutional levels. He said that this entire matter should not be viewed through the prism of support for or opposition to any individual or political party. Rather, it must be examined in the context of the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, its historical traditions, and the autonomy of Panthic institutions.
Prof. Khiala stated that despite having profound political differences with Sukhbir Singh Badal, he had no hesitation in saying that before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sukhbir Singh Badal had accepted the moral and political responsibility for the Behbal Kalan firing incident having occurred during the tenure of his government, and not the direct responsibility for allegedly orchestrating the firing upon unarmed and innocent people as part of a conspiracy. He remarked that an individual who had occupied a significant position such as that of a Jathedar should not have taken a step that could bring the Panthic processes of Sri Akal Takht Sahib within the ambit of legal interpretations.
Prof. Khiala also advised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to refrain from using religious personalities as political instruments for partisan interests. He emphasized that if investigating agencies possess independent and legally admissible evidence, they should proceed impartially on the basis of such evidence. However, Panthic proceedings conducted on religious platforms should, under all circumstances, be kept separate from political contests and legal battles.
Describing the Behbal Kalan firing incident as a deeply tragic and sensitive episode, Prof. Khiala said that the families of the innocent victims deserve justice. The law must be allowed to function independently, and accountability should be fixed wherever culpability is established. At the same time, it is equally important to preserve the distinct character and dignity of religious institutions, whose nature differs fundamentally from that of governmental or judicial bodies.
He observed that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme temporal and religious authority of the Sikh Panth, where individuals appear on the basis of religious and moral accountability. Proceedings before the Akal Takht, including apologies sought or responsibilities acknowledged, are primarily linked to Panthic discipline and spiritual responsibility. Treating such proceedings as direct evidence in criminal cases could create serious religious and legal complications in the future.
Prof. Khiala further stated that if confessional statements, appearances, or religious proceedings conducted before Sri Akal Takht Sahib begin to be routinely used as evidence by state investigating agencies, it could have adverse consequences and create apprehensions among people that participation in Panthic processes may later be used against them in criminal proceedings. Such a situation, he cautioned, could pose a challenge to both the spirit of Sikh religious governance and its historical traditions.
He also said that it is worth considering that individuals associated with the institution of Sri Akal Takht Sahib should not become participants in contemporary political confrontations. Throughout Sikh history, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has served as a centre of Panthic unity, justice, and collective self-respect. Therefore, employing its processes, directives, and religious traditions for immediate political gains may have far-reaching and undesirable consequences.
Prof. Khiala stated that the need of the hour is to ensure that the families of the victims of the Behbal Kalan firing receive justice, while simultaneously preserving the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the autonomy of Panthic institutions, and the sanctity of religious establishments. Maintaining a balance between justice and religious dignity would be in the larger interest of both society and the Sikh Panth.
He added that for the Sikh Panth, Sri Akal Takht Sahib is not merely an institution; it is a symbol of collective consciousness and spiritual authority. Therefore, every step concerning it must be undertaken with utmost caution, foresight, and a profound sense of Panthic responsibility.