Akal Takht imposes 2-year curbs on CKD ex-president

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 23

About a month after a sleaze video went viral, Akal Takht today imposed two-year restrictions on Charanjit Singh Chadha, former president of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), a 116-year-old Sikh educational institution.

Chadha (82), who was summoned at Akal Takht, appeared before the five high priests today to submit a clarification about the controversy. The religious punishment was pronounced in Chadha’s absence, even though it is traditionally done from the Takht podium.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said Chadha had been barred from addressing the gathering at any religious, social, political or educational function for two years. However, he can attend any public event as a commoner.

Giani Gurbachan Singh didn’t reveal whether Chadha had accepted his mistake or what clarification he had given. “On the recommendation of the SGPC executive, the AISSF and some CKD members, exemplary punishment was awarded to Chadha by the high priests,” he said.

The Akal Takht Jathedar said Chadha’s resignation from the CKD president’s post was received last evening. It will be sent to the CKD’s honorary secretary for acceptance and his subsequent dismissal from the primary membership of the Chief Khalsa Diwan.

Chadha’s conduct will be under scanner for two years, after which he will be eligible to send a review application. “The CKD honorary secretary will report to the Akal Takht Secretariat about the compliance of the directions,” Giani Gurbachan Singh said.

Giani Gurbachan Singh warned that immoral activities in CKD institutes would not be tolerated. “Since the CKD is a religious educational body run under the aegis of Akal Takht, any member who misuses his position to victimise any staffer or student would lose his membership instantly. The victim would be free to approach Akal Takht,” he added.

On December 26, 2017, a video purportedly showing Chadha making sexual advances to a woman principal of a CKD-run school had gone viral. On the basis of a complaint by the woman, Chadha and his son, Inderpreet Singh, were booked. Inderpreet, who was the CKD vice-president, had committed suicide on January 4.

The special investigation team (SIT), which is probing charges of sexual harassment against Chadha and the subsequent suicide by Inderpreet, has already summoned 13 persons to Chandigarh. They include the principal, who is accused of abetment to suicide.

Meanwhile, the CKD has called a general house meeting on February 6 to take a call on Chadha.