Punjab's one time most powerful man, former deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal came in a wheelchair to serve a “punishment” ordered by the Akal Takht at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. With a plaque around his neck and holding a spear, Badal performed the duty of a 'sewadar'. Later he washed utensils used at the bustling “langar”. Due to a fractured leg he escaped “cleaning toilets”.

Along with Badal, several Shiromani Akali Dal leaders including SS Dhindsa and Bikram Singh Majithia also performed penance by cleaning toilets and washing utensils.

They carried out the “punishment” handed to them by the supreme temporal seat of Sikhism, the Akal Takht.

They were punished for their 'antiSikh' decisions during the rule of the Akalis in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.
Badal, in particular, was found guilty for using his influence to get Ram Rahim pardoned after the Dera chief was excommunicated by the Akal Takht.

For untrained eyes this might be a punishment but the Akal Takht has kickstarted a revive and reform process for the Akali Dal, which has lost its glory and voters in Punjab.