Chandigarh, Jan 9: The Akal Takht on Thursday rejected Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s request for live telecast of his appearance before the Sikh clergy on January 15, citing the absence of any precedent for broadcasting proceedings held inside the Takht Secretariat.
Mann, who has been summoned to explain his recent remarks on Sikh religious traditions, had sought permission for live streaming, saying members of the Sikh Sangat across the world were keen to follow the proceedings.
In a message posted on social media, Mann said, “I am receiving messages from the Sangat worldwide requesting that my explanation be telecast live.”
“I will be coming to seek an account of the Golak on behalf of the Sikh Sangat. I understand the sentiments of the Sangat and request Jathedar Sahib to telecast my explanation live,” he said, adding that it would help devotees remain “connected with the issue minute by minute”.
The Akal Takht Secretariat, however, made it clear that such proceedings are recorded only for official purposes. Rejecting the request, the Takht said there was no tradition of live-streaming or telecasting meetings conducted inside the Secretariat.
Akal Takht Secretariat media adviser Jaskaran Singh said the sanctity of the institution did not permit broadcast of internal proceedings. “There is no precedent of telecasting proceedings conducted within the four walls of the Secretariat,” he said.
Mann’s statement came after he agreed to comply with the directive issued by Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj, asking him to appear on January 15. The Jathedar had sought an explanation over Mann’s alleged remarks questioning the authority of the Akal Takht and Sikh principles linked to Dasvandh institutions.
An allegedly objectionable video, purportedly knowing featuring the Chief Minister, has also been cited in the summons.
