Akal Takht summons Punjab CM over ‘anti-Sikh’ conduct; Mann says will comply like a ‘humble Sikh’

Addressing media, acting Jathedar said CM Bhagwant Mann occupies high constitutional office in Punjab, and his ‘anti-Sikh’ statements reflect the arrogance that comes with power.

File photo of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann | ANI

New Delhi: The Akal Takht, highest temporal body of the Sikhs, has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to the Akal Takht secretariat on 15 January to “explain” his alleged “anti- Sikh” conduct.

Reacting to the summon, Mann wrote in a post on X Monday that he will appear before the body like a “humble Sikh and not as chief minister”. 

“I will be going to the Akal Takht barefoot as nothing for me is as important as the highest seat of authority of the Sikhs,” he wrote.

A press statement issued earlier in the day said the chief minister has been exhibiting ‘anti-Sikh’ mindset and making repeated objectionable remarks in violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) while challenging the supreme authority of Akal Takht.

The statement added that Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly questioned the principle of “Guru Ki Golak” (Dasvandh) blessed by the Sikh Gurus, thereby deeply hurting Sikh sentiments.

In 1986, the then chief minister Surjit Singh Barnala was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) for ordering police action in the Golden Temple. He, however, sought atonement two years later.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਤੋਂ ਆਇਆ ਹੁਕਮ ਸਿਰ ਮੱਥੇ..
ਦਾਸ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਵਜੋਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਨਿਮਾਣੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਵਜੋਂ ਨੰਗੇ ਪੈਰ ਚੱਲ ਕੇ ਹਾਜਰ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ..
ਦਾਸ 15 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੇ ਮਾਣਯੋਗ ਰਾਸਟਰਪਤੀ ਜੀ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ ਅੰਮਿ੍ਰਤਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਕਾਨਫਰੰਸ ਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਨੇ.. ਉਸ ਦਿਨ ਲਈ ਮਾਫੀ ਵੀ ਮੰਗਦਾ…

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 5, 2026

Addressing the media at the Secretariat Monday, acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the chief minister occupies a high constitutional office in Punjab, and his ‘anti-Sikh’ statements reflect the arrogance that comes with power.

Jathedar Gargaj clarified that since Mann is a patit (apostate) and, as per Sikh tradition, cannot be presented before the facade of Akal Takht, he has therefore been summoned to appear in person at the secretariat on 15 January to submit his explanation. 

He asserted that Akal Takht Sahib will not tolerate challenges to the Sikh Rehat Maryada or any assault on Sikh sentiments.

Referring to unverified videos of Mann doing the rounds on social media, which the Jathedar termed extremely objectionable, he said the Akal Takht will send the videos for forensic analysis, and if found authentic, strict action will be taken against Mann in accordance with panthic traditions.

(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)