Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to appear before the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, on Thursday in connection with allegations that he made remarks deemed derogatory to Sikh religious tenets.

Due to this appearance, the Chief Minister will not attend the Golden Jubilee Convention of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, which is being presided over by President Droupadi Murmu.

Mann is the third sitting Chief Minister to be summoned by the Akal Takht. Earlier, former Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala had faced similar summons. Badal was called in 1979 by then Jathedar Sadhu Singh Bhaura following the Sikh–Nirankari clash in Amritsar that resulted in 13 deaths. Barnala, meanwhile, was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) in 1986 and excommunicated for authorising police action inside the Golden Temple, though he later sought atonement in 1988.

Putting an end to speculation over his appearance, CM Mann on Wednesday confirmed that he would present himself before the Akal Takht with complete humility. He dismissed reports suggesting any request for a change in timing, stating that no such communication had been issued by him or his office.

“January 15 has been fully reserved for Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and I have no other engagements for the day,” Mann said in a statement, adding that he had already informed the President’s office about his inability to attend the GNDU event.

Emphasising his reverence for the institution, the Chief Minister said he would appear “as a devout Sikh” and would comply with the directions of the Akal Takht in letter and spirit.

“Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and stands as the highest temporal seat of our community,” Mann said, reiterating that any order or command issued by the Takht would be accepted and followed with utmost respect by him and his family.