Amritsar (Suraj Kamlesh): Senior Sikh clergy members held a special meeting at Golden Temple to discuss objections raised by the Sikh community regarding the Punjab government’s proposed Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act amendment for 2026.
The meeting included head granthis and senior Sikh religious leaders associated with Akal Takht and Sri Darbar Sahib. After detailed discussions, the clergy issued a press statement urging the Punjab government to reconsider certain provisions of the proposed law.
Sikh Clergy Supports Strict Punishment for Sacrilege
The Sikh clergy said the community fully supports strict punishment for anyone involved in sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Religious leaders stated that strong legal action against offenders is necessary for the Sikh community.
However, the clergy strongly objected to including Sikh institutions and granthis under the proposed legal framework. They also opposed legal action related to religious code and maryada matters.
The controversy around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act has now become a major religious and political issue in Punjab.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act: Sikh Leaders Urge Government to Amend Law
Senior Sikh religious leaders advised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to discuss the sensitive issue in detail before implementing the law.
The clergy said the government should make amendments according to Sikh sentiments and avoid creating unnecessary concerns within the community. Religious leaders also urged the government not to remain rigid on the issue.
According to the Sikh clergy, any law related to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should receive support and acceptance from granthi singhs and Sikh institutions.
Granthis Called Backbone of Sikh Community
During the gathering, Sikh religious leaders emphasized that granthi singhs serve as the backbone of the Sikh community. They said the government should not create fear among granthis through legal provisions.
The clergy demanded the immediate removal of clauses that they believe target granthis, Sikh institutions, gurdwara committees, and Sikh sangat organizations.
The ongoing debate over the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act continues to attract attention across Punjab and among Sikh organizations worldwide.
Senior Sikh Leaders Attend Meeting
Several prominent Sikh religious figures attended the meeting at Sri Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib. The gathering included senior granthis and additional head granthis who participated in discussions regarding the proposed law.
Religious leaders said they support strict punishment for sacrilege cases but want the government to ensure that Sikh religious institutions and traditional practices remain protected.
The Sikh clergy has now requested the Punjab government to review the law carefully and make necessary amendments in line with Sikh sentiments and religious traditions.
5 Key Points of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act:
- Sikh clergy held a special meeting at Sri Harmandir Sahib regarding objections to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sacrilege Act.
- Religious leaders supported strict punishment for sacrilege offenders.
- Sikh clergy objected to including granthis, Sikh institutions, and gurdwara committees under certain legal provisions.
- The clergy urged Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to amend controversial sections of the law.
- Senior Sikh leaders said granthi singhs should not face fear or pressure under the proposed legislation.
