Chandigarh, July 2: The Punjab government’s Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 has remained at the centre of a growing controversy ever since it was passed in April. While Sri Akal Takht Sahib has consistently maintained that it supports stringent punishment for sacrilege, Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has repeatedly objected to the manner in which the law was framed, alleging that Panthic institutions were not consulted and several provisions interfere with Sikh religious affairs.
The issue reached a new stage on June 29, when the Akal Takht directed the Bhagwant Mann government to keep the law in abeyance and amend the disputed provisions within one month.
Here’s how the controversy unfolded:
April 13: The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, introducing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment, for sacrilege.
May 3: During a Panthic gathering, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj questioned why the legislation had been enacted without consulting Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the SGPC and other Panthic bodies. He clarified that Akal Takht had no objection to strict punishment for sacrilege but objected to provisions affecting Sikh religious institutions and traditions.
May 8: Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan appeared before Sri Akal Takht after being summoned. The Jathedar gave the Punjab government 15 days to amend the law in accordance with Sikh sentiments and raised objections to several clauses.
May 11: Sri Akal Takht formally conveyed its written objections to the Punjab government, seeking amendments to the legislation.
Early June: On the occasion of the Operation Blue Star anniversary, the Jathedar reiterated that while sacrilege must invite stringent punishment, no law should place Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh institutions or religious practices under government control.
June 15: Alleging that the government had ignored Akal Takht’s concerns, Giani Gargaj summoned all Sikh MLAs and Sikh Cabinet ministers, irrespective of party affiliation, to appear before Sri Akal Takht on June 29 and explain why the law had been enacted without Panthic consultation.
June 29: Before the hearing, the Jathedar accused the Punjab government of interfering in Sikh religious affairs through the Act. After hearing Sikh legislators and ministers, Sri Akal Takht directed the government to keep the law on hold, remove the objectionable provisions within one month and amend the legislation in accordance with Sikh principles and sentiments.
The Akal Takht has consistently maintained throughout the controversy that it supports strong legal action against sacrilege but wants the law to be framed in consultation with Panthic institutions and without provisions that, in its view, encroach upon Sikh religious autonomy.