AAP Sikh MLAs and Ministers to Appear Before Akal Takht Over Sacrilege Act
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed that all Sikh legislators and cabinet ministers from the Aam Aadmi Party will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29, 2026. The lawmakers will formally present the state government’s position concerning the contentious Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act.
Key Highlights
- AAP Sikh ministers and MLAs will submit written explanations to the Akal Takht on June 29, 2026.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will submit a separate explanation regarding a controversial masked video.
- The Akal Takht and SGPC object to the newly enacted anti-sacrilege amendment bill.
AAP Sikh Legislators and Ministers to Present Stance Before Akal Takht on June 29 Regarding Sacrilege Enactment and Video Controversy
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh cabinet ministers and legislators representing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party will present themselves before the Akal Takht on June 29, 2026. The delegation will officially deliver the administration’s stance on the contentious Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The announcement followed a high-level, closed-door strategy meeting convened by Mann with party lawmakers in Amritsar. Following the session, Mann addressed reporters at a press conference alongside AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who was concluding a three-day official visit to the state of Punjab.
During the media briefing, Kejriwal focused his remarks on a separate development involving the construction of a major temple dedicated to Luv-Kush and Mata Janaki. Meanwhile, Mann confirmed that Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and the designated lawmakers will deliver their respective positions in writing to the Sikh body.
The collective summons was issued on June 15, 2026, by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj. The directive required all Sikh lawmakers across political parties to appear. Non-Sikh ministers were separately directed to submit their formal views on the anti-sacrilege legislation in writing prior to the June 29 deadline.
The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee voiced strong opposition to the amendment. They argued that the state government enacted the legislation without proper consultation with the Sikh Panth. Religious authorities previously demanded the removal of clauses deemed contrary to the Guru Granth Sahib and community sentiments.
Sikh representatives from opposition parties have already confirmed their scheduled attendance at the temporal seat. Responding to queries about his personal summons, Mann clarified that he was not directly called but affirmed the government would evaluate any impending recommendations or suggestions from the Akal Takht or the SGPC.
Addressing a separate controversy involving a viral digital video clip, Mann stated he would submit a comprehensive written explanation to the religious council. The Chief Minister asserted that the footage was fabricated using a digital mask superimposed onto another individual to simulate his likeness for political defamation.
Mann emphasized his deep reverence for the temporal authority, recalling that he previously missed an official presidential event to honor a prior summons. He rejected allegations from political opponents that he was challenging religious authorities, labeling the claims groundless fabrications designed to create communal divisions.
The Chief Minister criticized the SGPC for installing awareness hoardings regarding the directive outside gurdwaras, questioning why similar measures were bypassed when Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal faced religious misconduct charges. Mann claimed opposition factions are uniting to exploit the sensitive legislative issue for electoral advantage.
FAQs
When are the AAP Sikh lawmakers scheduled to appear before the Akal Takht?
The AAP Sikh ministers and MLAs are directed to present themselves before the Akal Takht on June 29, 2026.
What is the primary issue surrounding the legislative dispute?
The dispute concerns objections raised by the Akal Takht and the SGPC regarding the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which they claim was passed without consulting the Sikh community.
How is Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressing the video controversy?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced he will submit a written clarification along with the video clip to the Akal Takht, maintaining that the footage is a fabricated clip using a facial mask.
