CHANDIGARH: For decades, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has functioned as the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, summoning powerful political figures, questioning their conduct and, in several cases, declaring them tankhaiya and directing them to undergo religious penance. Former chief ministers, Union ministers and senior leaders identifying as practising Sikhs have publicly acknowledged mistakes and sought forgiveness before being readmitted into panthic life.
Against this backdrop, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appearance before the Sri Akal Takht Secretariat on January 15 carried symbolic and political weight. Unlike earlier leaders summoned directly in their capacity as practising Sikhs, Mann appeared before the Secretariat, the administrative office of Sri Akal Takht, to submit his clarification on controversies that have unsettled Punjab’s political and religious landscape ahead of Assembly elections.
Mann reached the Secretariat around 11:30 am, ahead of the scheduled noon timing. He first went barefoot to the Golden Temple, offered prayers, and then walked to the Secretariat carrying two black bags, which he said contained documents supporting his explanation. He remained inside for about forty minutes.
The summons was issued on January 5 by officiating Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj following Mann’s public comments on gurdwara golak and other Sikh matters, as well as the circulation of a controversial social media video described as offensive to Sikh sentiments. Gargaj had earlier accused Mann of speaking on religious issues without adequate understanding and questioned the government’s stand on sensitive matters such as sacrilege cases.
After emerging, Mann said he appeared as a humble Sikh, submitted a written explanation with documents, rejected the viral video as fake, and offered forensic examination by any laboratory. Gargaj said Mann expressed regret over his remarks, accepted his lack of knowledge of Sikh maryada, and assured restraint in future.
The matter will now be considered by the five Singh Sahibans, with no final decision taken yet. The episode has revived comparisons with earlier summons of political leaders by Sri Akal Takht and has intensified debate over religious authority, governance and credibility ahead of elections.
