Simranjit Singh Mann is an Indian politician known for his advocacy of Sikh rights and his involvement in Sikh separatism. He was born on May 20, 1945, into a prominent Sikh family with a history of service in the Indian Civil Service. Mann followed in his family's footsteps, joining the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1967. He served in various capacities, including as Senior Superintendent of Police, before resigning in 1984 in protest against Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army's operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Following his resignation, Mann became a vocal critic of the Indian government's policies towards Sikhs. He was arrested and imprisoned for several years on charges related to sedition and conspiracy. During his time in prison, he was elected to the Indian Parliament in 1989 from the Tarn Taran constituency. However, he refused to attend Parliament unless he was allowed to carry his kirpan, a religious symbol of Sikhism, which led to further controversy.

Throughout his political career, Mann has been a controversial figure, often associated with separatist movements advocating for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. He has founded and led various political parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (Simranjit Singh Mann). He has contested numerous elections, sometimes winning and sometimes losing, but has consistently remained a prominent voice in Sikh politics. His political platform typically includes demands for greater autonomy for Punjab, justice for the victims of the 1984 antiSikh riots, and the release of Sikh political prisoners. Mann's views and actions have often sparked debate and criticism, but he remains a significant and influential figure in the political landscape of Punjab.