29 June, 2026 – Amritsar: The acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on Monday directed the Punjab Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, and issued a one-month ultimatum to remove all religious and legal objections raised by the Akal Takht.
The directions were accepted by ministers and MLAs present in the meeting.
Gargaj said he observed that the government had been “misguided” while drafting the legislation, stating that those involved in preparing the legal draft lacked an understanding of Sikh traditions and Panthic conventions, resulting in avoidable controversy and confusion among the Sikh community.
He said the widespread public debate over the law had created fear and misconceptions among devotees. He assured that the Akal Takht would extend full cooperation if the government amended the legislation in accordance with Sikh sentiments and established Panthic traditions.
The Jathedar said that maintaining records and supervision of the publication of ‘Birs’ falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and not the government. The Akal Takht further criticised the government’s use of the word ‘saroop’ instead of the traditional Sikh term ‘Bir’ in the legislation.
During the proceedings, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed Jathedar Gargaj that after being called to the Akal Takht in May, he had immediately forwarded its written objections regarding the Act to the Punjab Government and the Chief Minister’s Office for necessary action, adding that any amendment to the law lies within the powers of the executive and legislature and that they were open to it.
Gargaj also questioned the government in the 2017 Maur bomb blast case over the lack of action against those responsible.
Senior Congress MLA and former minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa told the gathering that the legislation had been passed in undue haste in the Assembly without providing MLAs adequate time to debate or study its provisions, resulting in several important issues being overlooked.
Bathinda MLA Jagroop Singh said he had not read the Act, like several other MLAs.
Among those present were Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, MLAs Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Jagroop Singh (Bathinda), Baljinder Kaur (Talwandi Sabo), Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress MLAs Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Pargat Singh, former minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia and rebel Akali MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali.
Concluding the proceedings, Gargaj directed leaders of all political parties to refrain from political blame games outside the Akal Takht, saying the matter concerned the collective honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and should not be reduced to political victory or defeat.
Address objections to anti-sacrilege law within a month: Jathedar to Punjab MLAs
June 29, 2026 12:52 pm
Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj directed Punjab MLAs to address the Panthic objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, within one month. He outlined the objections in detail and asked legislators to remove them through suitable amendments to the Act.
AAP ministers, MLAs attend the Akal Takht proceedings in Amritsar
June 29, 2026 11:59 am
Congress MLAs united on issue, will submit letter to Akal Takht: Bajwa
June 29, 2026 11:07 am
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said all Congress MLAs were united on the issue and shared a common stand. He said the party would submit a letter to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which would be made public after the meeting. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Pargat Singh said that while all party legislators had a common position on the matter, they would also share their individual views with the Jathedar if asked during the proceedings.
AAP ministers, MLAs arrive at Akal Takht secretariat
June 29, 2026 10:57 am
Ministers and MLAs of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who were staying at the Circuit House, also reached the Akal Takht secretariat ahead of the proceedings.
Congress, SAD MLAs begin arriving for Akal Takht hearing
June 29, 2026 10:55 am
Sikh legislators from the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) began arriving at the secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to attend the meeting. Among those who had reached the venue were Congress leaders Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa; SAD MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia; senior Akali leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Manpreet Singh Ayali, who was elected on a SAD ticket and is currently associated with Akali Dal Waris Punjab De.
The Tribune