The Akal Takht expressed disappointment over the media’s alleged blackout of news related to the FIR filed by Gurugram Police in the controversial video case involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The Sikh temporal authority had previously labeled Chief Minister Mann as “guru dokhi” and “Khalsa panth Virodhi” due to a circulated video showing a man resembling him in objectionable acts with images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Akal Takht, in a letter to press clubs and journalist unions, highlighted the prompt dissemination of its official decisions but noted the media’s lack of coverage on the issue.
The Haryana Police’s recent arrests following a complaint by a forensic expert, who alleged an attempt to manipulate a report on the video, marked a significant development. Despite this, many media outlets, especially Punjabi platforms, remained silent on the arrests and the Akal Takht’s stance. The Akal Takht criticized the media for not presenting its official position on the matter, stressing the media’s responsibility to report public events impartially.
The Akal Takht emphasized the media’s role as the fourth pillar of democracy and its duty to report significant news without bias. It underscored that failing to publish crucial information undermines the media’s responsibility to the public.
