Chandigarh, Jan 9: The Akal Takht has turned down Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s plea for live telecast of his appearance scheduled for January 15, stating that proceedings inside the Secretariat are not broadcast due to institutional norms.
Mann is set to appear before the Sikh clergy after being summoned by Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj to explain his alleged remarks on Sikh religious traditions and the authority of the Takht.
Ahead of the appearance, Mann had appealed for live streaming, saying the Sikh Sangat across the world wanted transparency in the proceedings. “I understand the sentiments of the Sangat and request that my explanation be telecast live,” Mann said in a social media post.
He said he would be seeking details of the Golak on behalf of the Sangat and argued that a live telecast would allow devotees to follow the matter in real time. “It will help the Sangat remain connected with the issue minute by minute,” he said.
Responding to the request, the Akal Takht Secretariat said there was no practice of broadcasting proceedings held inside its premises. “Such proceedings are recorded only for official purposes,” the Secretariat stated.
Media adviser to the Akal Takht, Jaskaran Singh, said the sanctity of the Secretariat did not allow for live coverage. “There is no precedent of broadcasting proceedings conducted within the four walls of the Secretariat,” he said.
The summons to Mann was issued following an allegedly objectionable video purportedly featuring the Chief Minister, along with concerns over his remarks related to Dasvandh institutions and Sikh principles.
Mann has accepted the directive and is scheduled to appear before the Jathedar on January 15.
