'Throne Of Justice': Why the Akal Takht's Word Still Carries Weight Over Punjab's Politics

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 12:12 IST

The Akal Takht continues to be the highest amongst the five Takhts of Sikhism, while its Jathedar is the most important secular leader of the Sikhs

When Punjab’s Sikh ministers and MLAs walk into the Akal Takht on Monday, they won’t merely be visiting another place of worship.

They will be appearing before an institution that, over the past 400 years, has served as the highest seat of temporal authority in Sikhism—an institution before which kings, generals, gurus and even chief ministers have had to justify themselves.

The latest summons, issued over Punjab’s controversial anti-sacrilege law, has once again thrust the Akal Takht into the centre of the state’s politics. While chief minister Bhagwant Mann has said all Sikh ministers and MLAs from his government will appear before the Takht, he himself will submit a written response and a recorded message.

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Unlike a court, the Akal Takht cannot strike down laws or remove elected governments. Yet its moral authority is such that very few Sikh leaders choose to ignore its directives.

So, what exactly is the Akal Takht, why was it created, and why does its word continue to resonate centuries later?

Not A Gurdwara, But A Throne Of Justice

The Akal Takht, literally meaning the “Throne of the Timeless One", was established in 1606 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

Its creation marked a defining moment in Sikh history.

After the fifth Sikh guru Guru Arjan was killed on orders from the Mughal emperor Jahangir, Guru Hargobind advocated that Sikhs should not just seek spirituality but should be ready to fight for justice.

To embody this philosophy, known as Miri-Piri, Guru Hargobind famously wore two swords: one symbolising Piri (spiritual authority) and the other Miri (temporal authority).

If the Golden Temple became the spiritual heart of Sikhism, the Akal Takht became its seat of worldly authority.

Unlike a conventional place of worship, it functioned as a throne where Guru Hargobind held court, heard public grievances, discussed military strategy, settled disputes and took decisions affecting the Sikh community. Historians often describe it as the earliest institutional expression of Sikh self-governance.

Why Is It Sometimes Called The ‘Sikh Parliament’?

Over time, the Akal Takht evolved into the place where the Sarbat Khalsa—large assemblies representing the Sikh community—would gather to deliberate on matters affecting the Panth.

Major religious, political and military decisions were debated there, earning it the informal description of the “Parliament of the Sikhs".

The Akal Takht continues to be the highest amongst the five Takhts of Sikhism, while its Jathedar is the most important secular leader of the Sikhs.

Can The Akal Takht Really Summon Politicians?

Yes. The Akal Takht can summon any Sikh, whether an ordinary devotee, a religious leader or an elected representative, to explain actions considered contrary to Sikh principles or detrimental to the interests of the Panth.

Its authority, however, is religious rather than constitutional. It cannot remove a chief minister, invalidate legislation or disqualify an MLA.

But its moral authority is immense.

Appearing before the Akal Takht is seen as an act of accountability before the Sikh community’s highest temporal institution. Refusing a summons can carry significant religious and political consequences, particularly in Punjab, where faith and public life remain deeply intertwined.

What Powers Does It Actually Have?

The Akal Takht issues Hukamnamas, religious edicts that guide the Sikh community on matters of faith and conduct.

In cases where an individual is found to have acted against Sikh principles, it can impose Tankhah, or religious punishment. This does not involve imprisonment or legal penalties. Instead, it may require acts of penance such as public apology, community service (seva), recitation of prayers, or other forms of religious atonement.

In exceptional circumstances, the Akal Takht can also excommunicate a Sikh from the Panth.

Though these decisions have no legal force under Indian law, they often carry enormous social, religious and political weight.

Why Has Bhagwant Mann’s Government Been Summoned?

The immediate trigger is Punjab’s Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, popularly referred to as the anti-sacrilege law.

The Akal Takht has expressed reservations about provisions of the legislation, arguing that laws concerning the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib should reflect the consensus of the wider Sikh Panth.

To seek explanations, it summoned all Sikh MLAs and ministers across party lines. Non-Sikh ministers have been asked to submit their views in writing.

Bhagwant Mann has maintained that his government’s intention is to protect the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib, but has also indicated that he will convey his position through a written statement and a recorded message rather than appearing personally.

The Akal Takht And Politics: A Relationship That Dates Back A Century

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Akal Takht functions as the religious arm of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). In reality, the Akal Takht predates the Akali Dal by more than 300 years.

The Akali Dal emerged during the Gurdwara Reform Movement of the 1920s, which sought to wrest control of Sikh shrines from hereditary mahants under British rule. That movement also led to the formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which today manages major gurdwaras in Punjab and appoints the Jathedar of the Akal Takht.

Over the decades, however, the close historical association between Sikh religious institutions and Punjab politics has often led to accusations, from rival political parties as well as scholars, that the Akal Takht and the SGPC have, at times, come under political influence.

Supporters reject that criticism, arguing that the institution continues to function independently in matters concerning the Sikh faith.

When The Akal Takht Has Held Powerful Leaders Accountable

The current summons is far from unprecedented.

Over the years, the Akal Takht has summoned several influential Sikh political leaders, including former chief ministers, cabinet ministers and religious heads.

One of the most notable instances came in 2015, when former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and other Akali leaders were directed to appear before the Akal Takht over decisions linked to the 2007 pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

In 2024, it declared Sukhbir Singh Badal a tankhaiya [guilty of religious misconduct] and also revoked the “Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam" title of his father Parkash Singh Badal.

Such episodes reinforce a central idea in Sikh tradition: no individual, regardless of political office, is considered above the authority of the Panth.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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