Amritsar: A Historic Moment at Akal Takht unfolded on Monday. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib with AAP ministers and MLAs. The Sikh temporal authority had summoned them over the controversial Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The Punjab Assembly passed the Act earlier this year. Sandhwan became the first Punjab Assembly Speaker to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The development has attracted widespread attention across Punjab. Moreover, Sikh historians describe the event as one of the rarest political and religious moments in recent decades.
A Rare Family Connection After 42 Years
The Historic Moment at Akal Takht also revived memories of former President Giani Zail Singh, who appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 1984 following Operation Blue Star
Earlier, during Operation Blue Star in 1984, Giani Zail Singh appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib following questions over his moral responsibility while serving as the President of India.
Now, more than four decades later, another member of the same family has appeared before the Akal Takht. As a result, Sandhwan’s appearance has drawn widespread attention.
Summons Linked to Sacrilege Amendment Act
The Akal Takht summoned the Speaker, AAP ministers, and MLAs after Punjab Assembly passed the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, on April 13.
Several Sikh organizations and religious leaders objected to the legislation. Consequently, the Akal Takht sought explanations from those involved in passing the law.
The leaders appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat to present their views regarding the controversial amendment.
Only Second Family in Sikh History
The Sandhwan family has now become only the second family in Sikh history to have two members appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on separate occasions.
Previously, the Badal family held this distinction.
Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal appeared before the Akal Takht following the 1978 Sikh-Nirankari conflict. Later, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also appeared in 2024 over sacrilege-related issues.
Therefore, Sandhwan’s appearance adds another significant chapter to Sikh political history.
Akal Takht’s Historic Authority
Throughout history, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has exercised moral and religious authority over Sikh rulers and political leaders.
For example, Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted religious punishment from the Akal Takht. Similarly, former Union Home Minister Buta Singh and former Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala also faced religious directives.
Furthermore, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has also been summoned by the Akal Takht in connection with a separate controversy involving an objectionable video. Religious authorities also described him as “Panthic Gaddar” during the proceedings.
Significance of the Development
Political observers believe the Historic Moment at Akal Takht highlights the enduring influence of Sikh religious institutions on public life in Punjab.
Moreover, the proceedings underline the institution’s role in seeking accountability from political leaders whenever issues affecting Sikh faith arise.
As debate over the amendment law continues, the Akal Takht’s directions and the Punjab government’s response are likely to remain at the center of public and political discussions in the coming weeks.
Key Points of the news:
- Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulatar Singh Sandhwan appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib with AAP ministers and MLAs.
- Sandhwan became the first Punjab Assembly Speaker to be summoned by Akal Takht Sahib.
- The appearance came over the controversial Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
- Sandhwan is the grandnephew of former President Giani Zail Singh, who also appeared before Akal Takht in 1984.
- The Badal family remains the only other family with two members who appeared before Akal Takht Sahib on separate occasions.
