In a significant departure from established protocol, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has set his own terms for his upcoming appearance before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Mann has publicly requested a live telecast of the proceedings scheduled for January 15, 2026, a move that breaks from the traditional discretion held by the Akal Takht Jathedar.
A Public Appeal on Social Media
On Thursday, the Chief Minister took to Facebook to address Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj directly. In one post, Mann stated, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s summons accepted. Appeal to Jathedar Ji, as per sangat’s demand, live telecast of my clarification should be done.”
In a follow-up post, he elaborated that messages from the global Sikh community were urging for a live broadcast. He indicated his intention to present details related to the golak donation box as demanded by the congregation. “Understanding the sentiments of the global sangat, I humbly request Jathedar Sahib to arrange a direct live broadcast,” Mann wrote, adding he would appear “with evidences.”
Breaking from Historical Precedent
This request marks a stark contrast to how such appearances have been historically conducted. While politicians have been summoned before the Akal Takht before, they have not traditionally enjoyed the liberty to present arguments, set conditions, or demand how the hearing is broadcast.
The decision to telecast proceedings live or hold them privately has always rested solely with the Akal Takht Jathedar. For instance, when former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared on December 2, 2024, the hearing was telecast live, but he and his associate were confined to yes-or-no answers by the then Jathedars.
In a more recent case, Punjab Cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond presented his clarification at the Akal Takht after a summons. A major precedent was set in 2017, when over 40 politicians from the SAD and Congress were summoned for seeking votes from Dera Sirsa followers.
Their penance was public and symbolic:
- Twenty-one politicians with unshorn hair cleaned the heritage road to the Golden Temple and performed volunteer service inside the temple complex.
- They were paraded before the Akal Takht.
- Politicians without unshorn hair performed 10 days of service at a gurdwara in their constituency.
Not all hearings have been public. Proceedings involving figures like Giani Gurbachan Singh were held privately in the Akal Takht office basement, with media barred.
The Summons and the Stakes
Bhagwant Mann has been summoned over three primary issues: his remarks on the golak donation box, alleged violations of the Sikh code of conduct, and a video that purportedly shows disrespect to images of Sikh Gurus.
Sources indicate that while decisions on the golak and code of conduct issues are largely settled, the outcome regarding the controversial video is pending a forensic examination. The Akal Takht is considering a forensic report before ruling on this matter.
Mann’s direct appeal for transparency places the institution in a unique position, balancing tradition against the modern demand for public accountability. His move is seen as politically significant, framing his compliance within a narrative of public scrutiny and direct connection with the Sikh sangat worldwide.
The January 15 appearance will now be closely watched, not just for its religious and political outcome, but also for whether it sets a new precedent for interactions between the Sikh temporal authority and elected officials.
