Why Akal Takht Objects to Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law

The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, has objected to the Punjab government's recently amended anti-sacrilege law, asserting that it was passed without consulting Sikh religious bodies. On June 29, the Akal Takht summoned a meeting in Amritsar, where Sikh Cabinet ministers and legislators from various parties participated. Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj demanded that the government revise the amendments within a month to align with Sikh sentiments.

The law in question is The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly on April 13. It amends the original Act of 2008, enacted during the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government. The amendment aims to deter sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib, revered as the eternal living Guru of Sikhism, by imposing stricter punishments.

Under the amended law, any person convicted of sacrilege of a Saroop (physical copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib faces imprisonment of at least seven years, extendable to twenty years, and a fine of at least two lakh rupees, extendable to ten lakh rupees. If the offence is committed through criminal conspiracy to disrupt peace or communal harmony, the punishment is at least ten years, extendable to life imprisonment, and a fine of at least five lakh rupees, extendable to twenty-five lakh rupees. The offences are cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. The law also holds those aiding sacrilege equally accountable and introduces the concept of 'custodian', making each custodian responsible for the safe custody and protection of the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Akal Takht's primary grievance is that the government did not seek the opinion or consent of the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), or the Sikh community before passing the amendments. During the June 29 meeting, Jathedar Gargajj noted that most MLAs admitted they had not read the draft before voting, indicating that the law was passed in haste without understanding its sensitivity. He termed this a serious negligence on the part of the government regarding matters of the Guru Granth Sahib and sacrilege.

The Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, has defended the law as a necessary measure to maintain peace and communal harmony, given recent attempts to disturb tranquility through sacrilege. However, the Akal Takht remains firm, demanding a revision that respects Sikh religious authority and procedures. The government has one month to respond.