NOTABLE SIKHS BANISHED IN THE RECENT PAST

Darshan Singh Raagi: In 2010, former Jathedar of Akal Takht was excommunicated by the Akal Takht for quoting the ‘Dasam Granth’, which the Takht has banned. Darshan Singh, who lives in Canada, never came back to the Takht for atonement. Giani Zail Singh and Buta Singh: Former President Giani Zail Singh and former Union home minister Buta Singh were excommunicated over their role in Operation Bluestar in 1984 when they were in office. Both appeared before the Akal Takht and were granted pardon.

Surjit Singh Barnala: As then chief minister, he faced the clergy’s wrath for sending police into the Golden Temple in 1986 to flush out radical elements. In 1990, Barnala appeared before the Akal Takht and was tied to a pillar as ‘tankhah’ was pronounced. He was pardoned.

Gurbax Singh Kala Afghana: A Canada-based cop-turned-author Kala Afghana was excommunicated in 2003 for twisting gurbani in his books. Fearing arrest for his closeness to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, he refused to come to India and has not sought atonement.

Baba Santa Singh: Post-Operation Bluestar, the then Budha Dal chief was excommunicated in 1984 for taking up the ‘kar sewa’ of damaged Akal Takht at the behest of the Union government. The Nihang leader atoned before clergy in 2001.

Sucha Singh Langah: A former minister in Akali-BJP government, Langah and a SGPC member was excommunicated last year after a sleazy video allegedly featuring him went viral. He has not approached the Takht for atonement yet.