Amritsar (Dawarka Nath Rana): The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Amendment Act 2026 sparked a major discussion at a special meeting held at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar on Sunday. Akal Takht called the meeting after the Punjab Government passed the amendment without consulting the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), or the Guru Khalsa Panth.
Sikh Cabinet Ministers and Sikh MLAs attended the meeting. They shared their views before the Five Sikh High Priests.
Five Sikh High Priests Lead the Meeting
Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj led the proceedings. Giani Baljit Singh, Giani Keval Singh, Jathedar Giani Tek Singh, and Giani Mangal Singh also joined the meeting.
Before the discussions began, the Five Sikh High Priests offered Ardas. They prayed for strength to protect Sikh rights and religious values. The gathering started with the recitation of the Mool Mantar, Gur Mantra, and Gurbani.
Leaders Discuss the Sacrilege Amendment Act
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj invited ministers and MLAs from different political parties to express their views freely. He instructed everyone to maintain respectful language and avoid personal remarks.
Participants discussed the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Amendment Act 2026 in detail. They focused on the concerns raised by Sikh institutions and community members.
Punjab Government Gets One Month to Amend the Law
After the discussion, Akal Takht directed the Punjab Government to amend the law within one month. It asked the government to remove all objectionable provisions and include recommendations that reflect Sikh sentiments.
The religious leadership also proposed a stricter legal provision. It demanded that police should register a case against the head of an anti-Sikh dera if one of its followers deliberately commits sacrilege.
All Sikh Cabinet Ministers and MLAs present supported this proposal. They raised their hands to show their agreement after the Five Sikh High Priests sought their approval.
Akal Takht Asks Government to Suspend the Law
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj asked the Punjab Government to keep the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Amendment Act 2026 on hold. He said the government should not enforce the law until it incorporates the recommended changes.
He stressed that the government must consult Sikh religious institutions before passing any law related to Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
MLAs Admit They Did Not Read the Bill
Several MLAs admitted that they had not read the amendment before the Punjab Assembly passed it.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj called this admission serious. He said it showed that the government rushed the legislation without understanding its legal and religious impact.
He also said the government sent the draft to legislators only one day before the Assembly session. Officials also failed to provide copies of the original 2008 Act for comparison.
Akal Takht Raises Questions Over the Process
Akal Takht questioned the Punjab Government over the way it introduced the amendment.
The religious leadership asked how many MLAs contributed suggestions before the bill reached the Assembly. It also asked when ministers and MLAs received the draft and whether they read it before approving it.
The leadership further questioned which legal experts, Sikh scholars, religious representatives, or organizations advised the government before it approved the legislation.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj pointed out that the government framed the original 2008 law after consulting the SGPC. He questioned why the government ignored the SGPC while preparing the 2026 amendment.
Giani urged the Punjab Government to follow proper consultation before introducing any future legislation on Sikh religious matters. He said such laws must respect Sikh sentiments and protect the dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Key Points of the news:
- Akal Takht convened a special meeting to review the Sacrilege Amendment Act passed by the Punjab Government without consulting Sikh religious bodies.
- The Punjab Government received one month to amend the Act by removing objectionable provisions and incorporating changes that reflect Sikh sentiments.
- Akal Takht urged the government to suspend the law until it makes the recommended amendments in consultation with Sikh institutions.
- Several Sikh MLAs admitted they had not read the amendment bill before the Punjab Assembly passed it, raising concerns over the legislative process.
- The religious leadership demanded stricter legal provisions, including action against the heads of anti-Sikh deras if their followers intentionally commit sacrilege.
