The officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, has issued summons to Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and key office-bearers of two major Sikh bodies. They have been directed to appear before the highest temporal seat of Sikhism on January 5 to provide explanations on separate issues concerning religious conduct.
Summons for Punjab Minister Over Memorial Images
In a significant development, Punjab's minister for sports and youth services, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, has been called to the Akal Takht. The summons relates to certain images prepared at the memorial of Bhai Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Akal Takht secretariat stated that these depictions were found to be contrary to established Sikh principles, religious code of conduct (maryada), and the sentiments of the community.
Bagicha Singh, the in-charge of the Akal Takht secretariat, clarified that Sondh has been asked to provide an explanation in person regarding the matter. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Sikh high priests held at the Akal Takht secretariat on Sunday.
DSGMC Office-Bearers Called for Defying Order
In a separate but related directive, the president and senior office-bearers of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) have also been summoned. They are required to present their position on January 5 at 11 am.
This action stems from an event on October 25, when the DSGMC convened a special meeting. According to the Akal Takht secretariat, this meeting had been expressly prohibited by the jathedar. However, the DSGMC office-bearers proceeded with the gathering in violation of this order.
Consequently, the president, general secretary, senior vice-president, vice-president, and secretary of the DSGMC have all been called to appear before the Akal Takht.
Chief Khalsa Diwan President Asked for Clarification
The third party summoned is the president of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), Inderbir Singh Nijjar. The CKD, one of the oldest Sikh organizations, was previously asked to provide detailed information about its members.
Specifically, the Akal Takht had requested a list specifying which CKD members are Amritdhari (initiated Sikhs who have undergone the Amrit Sanchar ceremony) and which are non-Amritdhari. This request was made in light of previous directives from the Akal Takht.
Bagicha Singh stated that the information initially submitted by the CKD was unclear. Despite being given adequate time to furnish a proper response, no clear and satisfactory information was received. Therefore, the jathedar has directed Inderbir Singh Nijjar to appear personally with a complete and accurate list of Amritdhari and non-Amritdhari members within the organization.
Implications and Next Steps
The simultaneous summons to a sitting Punjab minister and the leadership of two prominent Sikh institutions underscores the Akal Takht's active role in overseeing Sikh religious affairs and discipline. The January 5 hearing is poised to be a significant event, with potential implications for the individuals and organizations involved.
All parties are expected to present their explanations and comply with the directives of the Akal Takht, which holds supreme authority in matters of Sikh religious protocol and community sentiment.
