'Tankhaiya' means a person guilty of religious misconduct.

What is 'Tankhaiya'? Ever since the news of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, being declared 'Tankhaiya' by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, surfaced on social media, people who are not aware of it are looking for information about what is 'Tankhaiya' and what kind of punishment it brings. 

According to Sikhism, 'Tankhaiya' means a person guilty of religious misconduct. This is declared by the highest institution of the Sikh body — Sri Akal Takht Sahib. If any Sikh does something wrong religiously, then there is a provision for him to appear before the nearest Sikh Sangat and apologize for his mistake. Then the Sangat reviews the guilty in the presence of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and then the punishment is decided accordingly. 

What kind of punishment is given in Tankhaiya?

According to the beliefs of Sikhism, the Sikh congregation should neither adopt a very strict attitude towards forgiving nor should the guilty have any kind of argument regarding the punishment. The punishment given under this is basically of 'sewa' and the person concerned can be asked to do any 'sewa' that he can do with his own hands. If someone apologizes after being declared a Tankhaiya, then his punishment is announced. The punishment might include 'sewa' of cleaning shoes at 'Joda Ghar' or other such sewa. After the completion of the punishment, the Tankhaiya is removed."

How is the punishment decided in Tankhaiya?

According to him, the punishment is decided according to the crime committed by the person. Where will the punishment be, what will it be like, and for how many days, all these aspects are decided in the Gurudwara itself. The Jathedar decides where the punishment is to be served.