PATIT
Patit is a world of Pali and Sanskrit languages; it mean: apostate, corrupt, insulted, fallen (from faith), excommunicated.
In Sikh contest, a Sikh, who violates ‘the Four Prohibitions’ (Bajjar Kurahits), becomes an apostate. These four are: cutting or trimming of hair (from head or face); smoking tobacco in any form; having sexual relationship with a ‘Turkani’ i.e. a Muslim woman (nowadays it has been replaced with ‘committing adultery’); eating Halaal (meat).
According to the Rahitmaryada of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, a Patit must present himself before the Punj Piaray*; obey disciplinary action, followed by re-initiation. Until that, a Patit is treated as a person excommunicated from Panth.
[*five Sikhs when they are on duty to perform the ceremony of Khandy-di-Pahul].
Also see: Kurahits, DOs & DON’Ts for a Sikh.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)