Punjab: Akal Takht summons Sikh MLAs, seeks changes to anti-sacrilege law
Amritsar, June 29
The Punjab Government has been given one month by the Akal Takht to re-amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar Act, 2026, in accordance with Sikh sentiments.
All Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers of Punjab appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib after they were summoned over the anti-sacrilege law.
During the gathering at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, all the Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers present agreed to amend the legislation in line with Sikh sentiments. Following the congregation, they expressed their consent to make changes to the amendment.
In response to the five calls made during the proceedings, all the MLAs and ministers agreed to re-amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, in accordance with Sikh sentiments.
On Sunday, Punjab CM Mann announced that all AAP MLAs would appear before the Akal Takht, emphasising that the temporal authority stands supreme for him.
The Akal Takht has sought an explanation for how a law concerning Sikh religious affairs was passed without consultation.
The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly on April 13.
Amending the 2008 Principal Act, the new law provides for a term that may extend to life imprisonment for criminal conspiracy in an offence of sacrilege of the Saroop(s) of Guru Granth Sahib with the intention to disrupt peace or communal harmony and a fine between Rs 5 and 20 lakh.
It provides for a term up to 20 years for an offence of sacrilege, with a fine of Rs 2 to 10 lakh. For an offence in the Act, except the offence of sacrilege, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to five years and with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
The main objective of the legislation was to provide for the punishment of life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege.
The law also asks the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to maintain a Central Register containing details with regard to the record of printing, storage, distribution, and supply of the Saroops of Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The register shall contain a unique identification number of each Saroop, date of printing and publication, date and place of supply, place of storage and the name and address of the custodian.
Defining the duties of a custodian, it asks them to ensure safe custody, protection from damage, misuse, or loss in any manner and observance of Sikh Rehat Maryada; and immediate reporting of any incident involving damage, disappearance, or suspected sacrilege to the concerned police and management authorities.
In 2025, the AAP government brought the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, which was later sent to a Select Committee.
There have been several attempts to include life imprisonment for the offence of sacrilege, including the Bills brought in by the BJP-Akali Dal coalition government and the Congress government in Punjab.
The development comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, where the ruling Aam Aadmi Party is expected to seek to retain power in the state after losing Delhi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I support the strict punishment for sacrilege, but why wasn't the Akal Takht consulted before passing the law in April? This is a major oversight. The government should have learned from past incidents in Punjab. Anyway, better late than never.
As a Sikh, I feel relieved that the Akal Takht is taking this seriously. The life imprisonment provision is necessary, but the law must also address the root causes of sacrilege, like lack of awareness and disrespect towards religious places. Let's focus on education too.
I'm not Sikh, but I respect the process. What strikes me is the political timing – ahead of 2027 elections. Hope the amendments are genuine and not just a political stunt. Punjab needs peace more than political games.
Good move by CM Mann to appear personally. Shows respect for Sikh institutions. But I'm concerned about the fine amounts – Rs 5-20 lakh is huge for common people. We need a balanced approach that deters crime without being punitive.
The central register idea is great – tracking every Saroop will prevent misuse and loss. But why did it take 20+ years after the 2004 sacrilege incidents to strengthen the law? At least something is being done now. 🤔
D We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.