Amritsar: The Akal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs issue has gained significant attention in Punjab. Sikh ministers and MLAs are appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib to explain their support for the Jagat Jyoti Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Meanwhile, legislators from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Independent groups have also reached Amritsar. They are expected to submit written replies before the Sikh religious authority.
Why Did Akal Takht Summon Sikh MLAs?
The Akal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs after raising objections to the new sacrilege law.
According to the Akal Takht, the Punjab Government introduced the legislation without formally consulting Sikh religious institutions.
Moreover, the religious body said the government did not seek guidance from the Akal Takht before passing the law.
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also stated that the government ignored earlier directions issued by the Akal Takht.
Therefore, the religious authority has asked Sikh ministers and MLAs to explain why they supported the legislation despite these concerns.
Punjab Government Defends the New Law
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the legislation.
He said the law fulfills a long-standing demand from the Sikh community.
According to him, devotees wanted stricter punishment for sacrilege cases.
As a result, the government introduced provisions for life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
Additionally, Mann confirmed that all Sikh ministers and MLAs, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, would submit written responses before the Akal Takht.
Political Debate Continues
The issue has intensified political debate across Punjab.
Bhagwant Mann claimed that the Shiromani Akali Dal opposes the law because it may have to answer questions related to past sacrilege cases.
However, opposition parties continue to question the government’s legislative process.
Meanwhile, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Independent MLAs have also appeared before the Akal Takht.
Akal Takht Seeks Clarification
The Akal Takht says its concern is the legislative process.
It believes the government should have consulted Sikh religious institutions before introducing the law.
Finally, the Akal Takht expects every Sikh legislator to explain the reasons for supporting the legislation and clarify their individual stand.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Akal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs over the Punjab government’s new sacrilege law.
- Sikh ministers and MLAs from several political parties appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
- The Akal Takht says the government failed to consult Sikh religious institutions before introducing the legislation.
- The Punjab Government says the law reflects public demand and provides life imprisonment with fines up to ₹50 lakh.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says the government will implement the law despite political opposition.
