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Amritsar, June 25
The Akal Takht Secretariat has issued notices to all Sikh MLAs and Sikh Cabinet ministers in Punjab, directing them to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 to discuss the anti-sacrilege law passed by the Punjab Assembly in April. Non Sikh Cabinet ministers have also been asked to submit their views in writing before the scheduled meeting.
Bagicha Singh, in charge of the Akal Takht Secretariat, said the notices were sent on June 17 and 18 through email and WhatsApp using the contact details available on the official website of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. A separate communication was also sent to the Punjab Assembly Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on June 23. He said officials of the Secretariat also contacted all legislators and ministers over the phone to ensure they had received the notices. According to the Secretariat, all Sikh MLAs and Cabinet ministers have been asked to appear at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar at 11 am on June 29 to present their views on the legal amendment. Non Sikh ministers have been requested to submit written responses before the meeting.
The move follows an announcement made on June 15 by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, who summoned all Sikh legislators, irrespective of political affiliation, along with members of the Punjab Cabinet, to deliberate on the legislation.
The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have opposed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, stating that it was enacted without consultation with the Sikh Panth. The Akal Takht has also sought the removal of provisions it believes are against the Guru Granth Sahib, the Khalsa Panth, and the sentiments of the Sikh community.
The amendment legislation was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly on April 13. It provides for stricter punishment, including life imprisonment, for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The June 29 meeting is expected to provide Sikh legislators and ministers with an opportunity to present their views before the Akal Takht as the debate over the legislation continues.
