Akal Takht Summons Sparks Constitutional Debate
Sikh scholars and constitutional experts have expressed concern over the summoning of 78 Sikh MLAs and nine Cabinet ministers by the Akal Takht, saying the move is against the spirit of the Constitution. The summons, issued by officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, came two weeks after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was declared 'Guru Dokhi' and 'Panth Dokhi' over a purportedly blasphemous video, whose authenticity Mann and the AAP have challenged.
Political Motive Alleged
Dr Amarjit Singh, director of the Sikh Studies Chair at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), said the summoning of a CM or MLAs at the Akal Takht was a politically motivated move. He noted that the Akal Takht cannot punish the Chief Minister, as he is neither 'sabat surat' nor compliant with the Sikh code of conduct. 'Summoning all MLAs at the behest of SGPC's political arm, the SAD, may be seen as a political game,' he added.
Religious vs Legal Authority
Retired political science professor Kuldip Singh, also from GNDU, explained that the Akal Takht only possesses moral and religious authority, not legal power to impose fines or imprisonment. However, it has conventionally followed its own norms for religious punishment, including excommunication, declaring individuals 'tankhaiya', and assigning penance such as 'sewa' or wearing a placard of repentance. He cited the recent case of Sukhbir Singh Badal and the 1986 case of Surjit Singh Barnala as precedents.
Unconstitutional and Undemocratic
Dr Paramjeet Singh Ranu, national president of the Sehajdhari Sikh Party (SSP), described the summons as both 'unbiased' and 'unconstitutional, and against democratic principles.' He warned that summoning legislators could lead to a direct conflict with constitutional privileges, especially with CM Mann accused of undermining the Akal Takht's authority. 'The SSP expresses deep concern over the constitutional and legal crisis arising from this decision,' he said.
Political Context
The summons come ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections early next year, with most of the summoned MLAs belonging to the ruling AAP. Sikh scholars believe the MLAs' submission was necessary for each party to avoid charges of not fighting against 'beadbi' (sacrilege), which threatens to polarise the political environment.
