AMRITSAR – Sri Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, on Thursday excommunicated New Zealand-based Radio Virsa host Harnek Neki over derogatory comments on Sikhs Gurus and present leaders of the community.

Neki was summoned to the Akal Takht twice by jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh but he failed to make an appearance, prompting the five Sikh high priests to decide on his excommunication.

Takht Kesgarh Sahib jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh, Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and Akal Takht head granthi Giani Malkeet Singh attended Thursday’s meeting during which the resolution to excommunicate Neki was passed.

The charges against the radio host relate to twisting Sikh history, concepts, and religious texts.