Punjab CM Mann Submits to Akal Takht, Vows to Abide by Clergy's Verdict

After the nearly hour-long meeting with Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula here, Mann, in a media interaction, said: "They said they would go through the explanation and take a decision accordingly. I will abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergy."

CM Mann, who arrived barefoot, appeared before Giani Gargaj at the Akal Takht Secretariat after being summoned.

He was handed over the Sikh Rehat Maryada book by the Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.

Giani Gargaj told the media that CM Mann admitted at the meeting that he "shouldn't have to say certain things on religious affairs of the Sikhs and assured him that he would desist from making any such statements in the future".

The explanation given by CM Mann on the charges of religious misconduct would be taken up in the next meeting of the five Sikh high priests, he said.

Accepting that punishment for an apostate Sikh could not be pronounced from the Akal Takht, Giani Gargaj said the punishment could be in the form of a direction to the Sikh sangat.

Without mincing words, he said a forensic examination would be conducted of the viral video purportedly showing the CM.

Earlier, citing "objectionable videos" circulating on social media, Giani Gargaj had claimed that Mann's actions towards images of the Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were disrespectful.

He had said the Chief Minister's "anti-Sikh" statements reflected the arrogance of power.

CM Mann was the third Chief Minister summoned by the Akal Takht after Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala.

Badal was summoned in 1979 by then Jathedar Sadhu Singh Bhaura over his role in the Sikh-Nirankari clash that claimed 13 lives in Amritsar. Barnala was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) in 1986 and excommunicated for ordering police action inside the Golden Temple. Later, he sought atonement in 1988.

A day earlier, CM Mann, in a statement to the media, had said: "I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a devout Sikh, and there is no question whatsoever of seeking any change in the timing."

He said January 15 has been fully dedicated to Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with the orders of the Jathedar, and that he has no other programme scheduled for the day.

Emphasising the sanctity of the institution, he had said: "Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is regarded as the highest temporal seat of our community."

Reiterating his complete reverence for the authority of the Takht, CM Mann had said: "Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed. Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is above everything for me. Any order received from that sacred Takht will be followed in true letter and spirit. The command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is, was, and will always remain supreme for me and my family."

- IANS