Amritsar, August 4, 2025 — The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh faith, has summoned Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains to appear before the five Sikh high priests on August 6 at 9 am. The summons pertains to a recent state event held in Srinagar to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, which allegedly featured activities that hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
The controversy centers around a dance performance staged during the government-sponsored ceremony, which has drawn sharp criticism from several Sikh bodies and religious leaders for being inappropriate at a solemn commemorative occasion. The Akal Takht seeks a personal explanation from Bains over his role and oversight in the organization of the event.
Jaswant Singh, Director of the Punjab Language Department, who was also involved in the planning of the event, has been named in the summons. However, he will not be present for the August 6 hearing as he is currently abroad attending a close relative’s wedding. He is expected to return by August 12, after which a separate hearing will be scheduled.
Bagicha Singh, in-charge of the Akal Takht Secretariat, confirmed that Minister Bains was informed via email about the directive. The meeting had originally been set for August 1 but was postponed due to the sudden demise of the brother-in-law of officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in a road accident.y
This summons underscores the seriousness with which the Akal Takht views any perceived violations of Sikh religious decorum, especially during state events commemorating revered figures of Sikh history.
