The Akal Takht has given the Punjab Government one month to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, in line with Sikh sentiments.
All Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers from Punjab appeared before the Akal Takht after they were summoned over the anti-sacrilege law.
During the meeting, the Sikh legislators and ministers agreed that changes should be made to the law in accordance with Sikh sentiments. They assured the Akal Takht that the legislation would be amended to address the concerns raised by the Sikh community.
Following the five directions issued during the proceedings, all the MLAs and ministers agreed to revise the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, in keeping with Sikh sentiments.
A day earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced that all AAP MLAs would appear before the Akal Takht. He had said the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs holds the utmost importance for him.
The Akal Takht also demanded an explanation from the Punjab Government on why a law concerning Sikh religious affairs was passed without consulting Sikh institutions.
The Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly on April 13.
The law amends the 2008 Act and introduces life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of conspiring to commit sacrilege of the Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib with the intention of disturbing public peace or communal harmony. It also provides for a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
For the offence of sacrilege, the Act prescribes imprisonment of up to 20 years along with a fine between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. For other offences covered under the Act, the punishment can extend to five years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
The main purpose of the legislation is to impose stricter punishment, including life imprisonment, for acts of sacrilege.
The Act also directs the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of all Saroops of the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The register will include details such as a unique identification number, date of printing, place of storage, date and place of supply, and the name and address of the custodian.
The law also defines the responsibilities of custodians. They must ensure the safe custody of the Saroops, protect them from damage, misuse or loss, follow the Sikh Rehat Maryada, and immediately report any incident of damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege to the police and the concerned authorities.
In 2025, the AAP government had introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill. The Bill was later referred to a Select Committee for further examination.
Punjab has seen several attempts over the years to introduce life imprisonment for sacrilege. Similar Bills were earlier brought by the BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal alliance and later by the Congress government.
The latest development comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, in which the ruling Aam Aadmi Party will be seeking another term after its defeat in Delhi.
Also read: All Sikh MLAs, Ministers to appear before Akal Takht on June 29
Follow us
