Published on: 15 Jan 2026 at 10:42 AM

Bhagwant Mann’s Akal Takht Appearance Today: Punjab’s 4th CM to Face Sikh Highest Court

Published by: Gill Bikram

Bhagwant Mann’s Akal Takht Appearance Today: Punjab’s 4th CM to Face Sikh Highest Court

Historic Summons Over Controversial Statements on Sikh Principles

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann becomes the state’s fourth CM to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has summoned him for clarification on controversial remarks about Sikh tenets, especially “dasvandh” (tithe) and “golak” (donation box), linked to a viral video.

Historical Precedents: Previous CMs Summoned

Before Mann, three other Punjab CMs faced Akal Takht’s court, each with unique circumstances and penalties:

Bhim Sen Sachar (September 1955): As undivided Punjab’s second CM, he was summoned for sending police into Darbar Sahib complex and using tear gas during the Punjabi Suba agitation in July 1955. He appeared barefoot, sought forgiveness, and performed penance by cleaning community utensils and shoes.
Surjit Singh Barnala (December 1988): He received the harshest religious punishment to date for allowing police action in Darbar Sahib and defying Akal Takht orders. Excommunicated from the Khalsa, he appeared 18 months later with a placard reading “I am a sinner” around his neck and cleaned shoes as service.
Prakash Singh Badal (October 1979): Accused of harming Sikh unity and lax action during the Nirankari clash, Badal appeared, admitted fault, and completed religious service by washing utensils and shoes.

Bhagwant Mann’s Current Case

Mann faces allegations of publicly urging people not to donate to gurdwara golaks, seen as an attack on Sikh maryada and dasvandh principles. However, the current Jathedar states no strict religious penalty will be imposed—Mann is simply asked to present his side.

Supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Sri Akal Takht represents the Sikh center of religion and politics (miri-piri). Its edicts are supreme for Sikhs worldwide—no individual, regardless of position, stands above this institution.