Akal Takht gives Punjab govt 1 month to amend anti-sacrilege law (File: PTI)
NEW DELHI: The Akal Takht on Monday gave the AAP-led Punjab government one month to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026 in line with Sikh sentiments.The directive came after the Sikh legislators and ministers appeared before the Akal Takht and agreed to revise the law. Responding affirmatively to the Takht’s call, they assured the highest temporal seat of Sikhs that the amendments would be made in accordance with Sikh religious sentiments within the stipulated time.
What is the row about
The row centres on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab assembly on April 13 and received the governor’s assent within days. The legislation amends the 2008 Act to introduce life imprisonment for those convicted of conspiring to commit sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib with the intent to disturb communal harmony, along with a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Other offences under the Act carry imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.The amended law also requires the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of every Saroop (physical copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, including details of its printing, storage, distribution, custodian and a unique identification number. Custodians have been tasked with ensuring the safe keeping of the holy scripture and immediately reporting any incident involving damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege.The controversy erupted after the Akal Takht objected to the manner in which the law was enacted, alleging that the Punjab government failed to consult Sikh religious institutions before legislating on a matter concerning the Sikh faith. It subsequently summoned the Punjab Cabinet and all Sikh MLAs across party lines to appear on June 29 and explain why the legislation was passed without taking the Akal Takht or the SGPC into confidence.
