Akal Takht Sets One-Month Ultimatum for Punjab Government to Amend Anti-Sacrilege Law
The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, has given the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government a one-month deadline to amend the recently enacted anti-sacrilege law. The directive was issued on Monday after Sikh legislators and ministers appeared before the Akal Takht and agreed to revise the legislation in line with Sikh religious sentiments.
The controversial law, formally known as the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, was passed by the Punjab assembly on April 13 and received the governor's assent shortly after. It amends the original 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 legislation also mandates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of every copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, including details of printing, storage, distribution, custodian, and a unique identification number. Custodians are required to ensure the safe keeping of the holy scripture and immediately report any 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. The Akal Takht 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.
In response, the Sikh MLAs and ministers assured the Akal Takht that the necessary amendments would be made within the stipulated time to align the law with Sikh religious sentiments. The development marks a significant step in resolving the dispute between the state government and Sikh religious authorities.
