Sri Amritsar Sahib: A major controversy has erupted over the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026, passed by the Punjab Government on 13 April 2026. The issue has now reached Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where top Sikh religious authorities reviewed serious objections raised by Sikh organizations, scholars, and legal experts.
The Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, S. Kultar Singh, appeared before the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at the Akal Takht secretariat on 08 May 2026. The meeting focused on concerns related to the newly passed amendment law.
Allegations of Ignoring Sikh Institutions
Religious bodies have alleged that the Punjab Government passed the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026 without consulting Sri Akal Takht Sahib or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). They also claim that the draft of the law was not made public before its approval.
According to these groups, the government failed to seek public opinion or objections from the Sikh community, which they say violates basic legislative norms.
Concerns Over Religious Autonomy
Several Sikh scholars, Granthis, Singh Sabhas, and religious organizations have submitted objections to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. They argue that certain provisions of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026 interfere with Sikh religious institutions and internal administrative structures.
They claim the law attempts to bring Sikh religious bodies under legal control, which they see as interference in religious affairs.
The objections also state that the Act undermines the autonomy of SGPC and indirectly affects the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which traditionally leads Sikh religious decisions.
Sikh Position on Guru Granth Sahib
Sikh leaders have strongly stated that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal living Guru of the Sikh faith and cannot be placed under any legal or administrative framework.
They emphasized that, according to Sikh tradition and the Sikh Rehat Maryada, only the representative Panthic gathering has the authority to take decisions related to the Guru’s status and related religious matters.
They argue that the government cannot interfere in such spiritual and religious principles.
Akal Takht Issues 15-Day Deadline
Sri Akal Takht Sahib has issued formal directions to the Punjab Assembly Speaker to review the objections clause by clause. It has ordered corrective action within 15 days.
The Akal Takht has directed the Punjab Assembly to hold a special session and remove objectionable provisions from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026.
Until these changes are made, Akal Takht has asked for suspension of further implementation of the law.
Offer of Legal Cooperation and Warning
Sri Akal Takht Sahib has also announced that it will provide a team of Sikh legal experts and judges to help the government reach consensus on the matter.
However, it also warned that if the instructions are not followed, strict action will be taken according to Panthic traditions during a meeting of the five Singh Sahiban.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026 has created a major religious and political debate in Punjab. With objections from Sikh institutions and a strong response from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the issue is expected to remain highly sensitive in the coming weeks.
The final outcome now depends on the Punjab Government’s response within the given deadline and the upcoming discussions between Sikh authorities and state officials.
5 Key Points of Guru Granth Sahib:
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026 passed by Punjab Government sparks controversy.
- Akal Takht and SGPC accuse government of ignoring Sikh institutions.
- Objections raised over interference in Sikh religious autonomy.
- Akal Takht gives 15-day deadline to amend the Act.
- Warning issued of strict Panthic action if orders are ignored.
