Chandigarh, Sep 27 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday reiterated that the Akal Takht is supreme for “all of us”, and that the state government will leave no stone unturned to protect the sanctity and dignity of Guru Granth Sahib through the strongest possible legal framework against sacrilege.
At a meeting with a seven-member committee constituted by the Punjab government to discuss amendments to an anti-sacrilege Act passed this April, Mann said life imprisonment and heavy fines for those who commit ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) form the core foundations of the law, which cannot be diluted.
The meeting at the chief minister’s residence focused on the provisions of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, the concerns raised about certain provisions, and the way forward through consultation and consensus, an official statement said.
Mann directed the committee to hold detailed and regular meetings with the panel constituted by the Akal Takht to review the proposed amendments, consider its suggestions and evolve a consensus, while ensuring that the law continues to provide the strongest possible protection to the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib and brings solace to the “deeply hurt sentiments of the Sikh Sangat”.
“The spirit and core objective of the law must not be compromised while discussing its provisions with the panel constituted by the Akal Takht. The provisions prescribing life imprisonment and heavy fines for perpetrators of sacrilege constitute the core foundation of this law. Therefore, the law must not be weakened at any cost,” Mann said.
The chief minister said the government’s sole objective is to ensure the strictest possible punishment for those guilty of sacrilege so that no person ever dares to commit such a grave offence.
“Certain concerns were raised regarding some provisions of the Act. The government therefore constituted a seven-member committee comprising eminent intellectuals and legal experts to look into them.
“The proposed amendments will be discussed comprehensively so that an amicable resolution is reached after taking into consideration all legal, constitutional and other relevant aspects,” Mann said.
He added, “I have asked the committee members to hold meetings with the panel constituted by the Akal Takht Sahib so that, through mutual consultation and consensus, necessary amendments to the law can be initiated, if required. Our government will approach this entire process with utmost respect and sensitivity.”
Mann said the objective of the state government is clear – the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib must remain fully protected, and the law must effectively fulfil its intended purpose.
He expressed hope that the deliberations of the committee will lead to an outcome in keeping with the sentiments of the ‘Sikh Panth’ and further strengthen the legal framework for protecting the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib.
The committee members who attended the meeting included former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Baba Sahib Singh representing Damdami Taksal and Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on April 13. It received the governor’s assent on April 17 before being notified as an Act shortly thereafter.
However, the Akal Takht raised several objections to the law, particularly related to the Sikh terminology, “custodian” of the religious text, and assigning unique numbers to the holy “Birs”.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj on June 29 directed the state government to address the objections concerning the anti-sacrilege law within a month.
On July 30, Gargajj rejected the Punjab government’s response as “unsatisfactory” and announced a five-member committee to engage with the AAP dispensation on the issue. PTI CHS ARI
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