Akal Takht Expels Amarjit Singh Chawla From Khalsa Panth Over Rape Case Allegations

The Akal Takht on Sunday expelled Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Amarjit Singh Chawla from the Khalsa Panth following allegations in a rape case registered in Punjab. The Sikh religious authority also expelled Giani Malkit Singh, additional head granthi of the Akal Takht, over allegations involving the same woman, NDTV reported.

The decision was announced by Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj after a meeting of the five Sikh high priests at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Claims 80% of Drugs From Pakistan Eliminated, Blames Opposition for Vulture Politics.

Akal Takht Announces Expulsion

According to the decision, Chawla will remain expelled from the Khalsa Panth unless he proves his innocence and appears before the Akal Takht. The Sikh community has also been directed to maintain distance from him. He has been barred from holding positions or undertaking services in Sikh institutions for life, according to the announcement.

A similar prohibition has been imposed on Giani Malkit Singh, who has also been expelled from the Sikh fold and barred from working in Sikh institutions. Punjab: Police ASI Harjit Singh Shot Dead by Bike-Borne Assailants in Amritsar.

Rape FIR Registered Against Chawla

The development follows an FIR registered at the Anandpur Sahib police station on August 21 after a woman accused Chawla of rape during her stay in Anandpur Sahib.

The case was registered under Sections 64, 127(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation, according to reports. Chawla has denied the allegations, describing them as false and part of a conspiracy. Following the controversy, he resigned from his SGPC membership and positions in the Shiromani Akali Dal. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process.

Malkit Singh Also Expelled

Giani Malkit Singh was also named in the controversy surrounding the woman. According to the Akal Takht and reports on the case, she alleged that he sent inappropriate messages to her. The SGPC had earlier suspended Malkit Singh and a driver in connection with the matter and ordered an inquiry.

The Akal Takht said the allegations were serious and that those holding positions in Sikh institutions were expected to maintain high standards of conduct.

Akal Takht Calls For Impartial Investigation

While announcing the religious action, Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the allegations had affected the dignity of Sikh institutions.

At the same time, he called for an impartial investigation, stressing that no person should be unnecessarily implicated and that justice should not be compromised. The Akal Takht also said it would not interfere in the police investigation after the woman approached law-enforcement authorities.

Chawla Had Resigned From SAD And SGPC

Chawla was a senior SAD leader and an SGPC member before the allegations became public. After the FIR and subsequent controversy, he stepped down from his political and SGPC positions.

The case has since drawn attention because of Chawla's association with both a major Sikh political party and the SGPC, which manages numerous gurdwaras and Sikh religious institutions.

What Happens Next

The police investigation into the allegations against Chawla remains separate from the Akal Takht's religious decision.

The latest action means Chawla and Malkit Singh are barred from participation and service in Sikh institutions, while the criminal allegations against them will continue to be examined through the legal process. The accused are entitled to due process, and the allegations have not been established as facts by a court.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 10:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).