The Akal Takht has formally summoned Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Punjab’s Minister for Tourism & Cultural Affairs, to appear and explain alleged violations of Sikh religious norms in a recently unveiled memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Times of India+2The Tribune+2 What triggered the summons • The memorial in question honours Bhai Jeevan Singh (also known as Bhai Jaita Ji) and is situated in Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Times of India+1 • Complaints were lodged with the Akal Takht that one of the depictions in this memorial shows Guru Gobind Singh Ji administering the Amrit Sanchar (baptism) while wearing footwear — a portrayal considered deeply disrespectful and in violation of Sikh maryada (code of conduct). The Times of India+1 • Additional issues flagged include the posture of the Panj Pyare (they were not seated in the traditional Bir Asan), the representation of the ‘baata’ (bowl), the Khanda, palanquins, and the Nishan (flag) in the painting, all of which the letter from the Akal Takht describes as “inconsistent with Sikh traditions”. The Times of India The summons and demands • The Akal Takht secretariat has asked Minister Sond to appear in person within one week at its Amritsar office for clarification. The Times of India+1 • Simultaneously, the director of the Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department has been asked to submit a written explanation for the depiction issues. The Times of India • The letter emphasises that strong sentiments within the Sikh community have been hurt and that such portrayals cannot be ignored given their religious significance. Context & Significance • The Akal Takht is the highest temporal (worldly) seat of Sikhism, and draws upon its authority to summon individuals — including elected officials — to respond on matters touching the Sikh code of conduct. Wikipedia+1 • Memorials and imagery of Sikh Gurus and historic ceremonies are treated with immense sanctity; any perceived deviation from accepted representations (especially involving the Guru, the Panj Pyare, or Khalsa rituals) often triggers strong reactions from Sikh institutions. • Sri Anandpur Sahib holds high historical relevance in Sikh history: it was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and is associated with the tenth Guru’s establishment of the Khalsa. The sensitivity around imagery here is heightened. What happens next • Minister Sond must either appear before the Akal Takht or provide a timely explanation. The institution may choose to impose a “tankhah” (religious disciplinary measure) if it finds the explanation unsatisfactory, as it has done in other past cases. Hindustan Times+1 • The tourism department may be asked to revise/remove the offending depiction, or publicly apologise and work with Sikh institutions (like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) to align future memorials with maryada. • The case is being watched closely by Sikh groups, cultural bodies and the Punjab government alike — as it touches on the intersection of heritage representation, state-sponsored memorials, and religious sensitivities.