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Chandigarh, June 29
Punjab Sikh MLAs appeared before the Akal Takht on Monday after being summoned to explain their role in the state’s controversial anti-sacrilege law, deepening a debate over the balance between religious authority and legislative power. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, has objected to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, saying it was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. The religious body has made it clear that it supports strict punishment for those guilty of sacrilege but argues that several provisions of the law amount to government interference in Sikh religious affairs. Only Sikh MLAs and Cabinet ministers were asked to appear in person. Non-Sikh ministers were directed to submit their views in writing, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not summoned.
Before the proceedings began, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of disregarding Sikh sentiments and undermining the authority of the Akal Takht.
“We should not all go against Guru Panth and Guru Granth Sahib. We should act according to the sentiments of the Sikh Panth,” he told reporters.
Among those who appeared were Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, several AAP legislators, Congress leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, senior Congress MLAs, and Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia.
Rebel Akali MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali said he would abide by whatever directions the Akal Takht issued. He also said the Punjab government should have amended the law after objections were first raised by the Jathedar.
AAP MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon said the legislators had come to clarify the government’s position, insisting that the law was introduced solely to ensure tougher punishment for those who desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib.
The amendment, unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13, provides for stricter penalties, including life imprisonment, for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
However, the Akal Takht maintains that some provisions place Sikh religious institutions, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), granthis, pathis, gurdwara committees, sewadars and even matters concerning the Guru Granth Sahib within a legal framework that treats them like accused parties. It says this amounts to unacceptable state interference in Sikh religious administration.
The religious body has also objected to a provision requiring information about the custodians of sacred birs of the Guru Granth Sahib to be published on the SGPC website, warning that such disclosures could expose devotees’ personal details and be misused.
The Akal Takht said that , Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was informed of its objections in May and given time to amend the legislation. The Jathedar has alleged that the Punjab government ignored those concerns despite formal communication.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the AAP’s Sikh MLAs and ministers would appear before the Akal Takht and submit the government’s explanation in writing.
