The Supreme Court on Monday fixed June 4 as the date to hear a petition filed by Dera Sacha Sauda seeking protection of their properties against an ultimatum given by the Akal Takht to vacate them and stop their activities.

A Bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D K Jain said there was no urgency in the matter for early hearing.

The Dera approached the apex court last Friday after the Akal Takht, the highest religious body of Sikhs, served an ultimatum to the Punjab government to close down all deras in the state by May 27.

Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was in conflict with Sikh clergy, on Monday night tendered an apology for dressing up like Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

The Dera, in a statement on Monday evening, said it has already expressed regret for the chain of events and "now in the best interest of peace and tranquility the Dera tenders an apology to Guru Gobind Singh."