Context

The issue is in news after the Punjab government officially granted ‘Holy City’ status to three towns associated with key milestones in Sikh religious history.

Cities Granted Holy Status

0.1 Punjab has declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as “Holy Cities” through an official notification.
0.2 A resolution to this effect was passed unanimously by the Punjab Legislative Assembly during a special session.

Legislative and Political Background

0.3 The special session was held at Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
0.4 The Chief Minister stated that the decision would support the development of these cities as religious and cultural centres.

Sikh Takhts and Their Significance

0.5 The three cities host three of the five Sikh Takhts — Akal Takht, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, and Takht Damdama Sahib.
0.6 The other two Takhts are Takht Patna Sahib in Bihar and Takht Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Akal Takht and Sikh Authority

0.7 Akal Takht, established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, is considered the supreme Takht.
0.8 It symbolises the unity of temporal authority (miri) and spiritual authority (piri) in Sikh tradition.

Role of Takhts in Sikh Doctrine

0.9 Takhts issue hukumnamas on matters concerning the Sikh community.
0.10 Any directive affecting the entire community is issued only from the Akal Takht.