Jathedar Santa Singh

Jathedar Santa Singh was a Nihang and 13th Jathedar of Budha Dal, after Akali Chet Singh.

Bhang consumption issue

In 2001, Baba Santa Singh, the Jathedar of Budha Dal, along with 20 chiefs of Nihang sects, refused to accept the ban on consumption of bhang by the apex Sikh clergy.^[1]

Operation Bluestar

Baba Santa Singh was excommunicated for helping the Indian congress rebuild the Akal Takht in 1984^[2] he was replaced with Baba Balbir Singh, who shunned the consumption of bhang.^[3]

References

1. Nihangs ‘not to accept’ ban on bhang. The Tribune. March 26, 2001.
2. Siṅgh, Kirapāla (1999). Giānī Kirpāl Siṅgh's eye-witness account of Operation Blue Star: mighty murderous army attack on the Golden Temple complex. B. Chattar Siṅgh Jīwan Siṅgh. p. 91. ISBN 9788176013185.
3. No ‘bhang’ at Hola Mohalla. The Tribune. March 10, 2001.