Sikh MLAs and Ministers Appear Before Akal Takht
A major political and religious development unfolded in Punjab on Monday as all Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar after being summoned to explain the state’s controversial anti-sacrilege legislation.
The appearance followed objections raised by the Akal Takht against the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly earlier this year.
Why Were the MLAs Summoned?
The Akal Takht stated that the law was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth and contains provisions that allegedly interfere with Sikh religious affairs.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj directed all Sikh legislators, irrespective of political party, and Sikh Cabinet Ministers to personally appear and clarify their stand on the legislation.
Bhagwant Mann Not Summoned
While Sikh Ministers and MLAs were required to appear before the Akal Takht:
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not summoned.
- Non-Sikh Cabinet Ministers were asked to submit their views in writing instead of appearing personally.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had stated that the government would present its position before the Akal Takht through written submissions.
Why Is the Law Controversial?
The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 was passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13.
The law proposes stricter punishment for sacrilege cases, including:
- Life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Additional legal provisions aimed at protecting religious scriptures.
However, the Akal Takht argues that several provisions extend government authority into matters traditionally managed by Sikh religious institutions.
Akal Takht’s Main Objections
The religious body has clarified that it supports strict punishment for sacrilege but objects to certain legal provisions because it believes they:
- Interfere with Sikh religious administration.
- Affect the authority of the SGPC and Gurdwara management.
- Bring Sikh religious practices under excessive government regulation.
- Could expose sensitive information related to the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh devotees.
The Akal Takht has requested amendments to remove these provisions.
Political Leaders Attend Hearing
Several prominent leaders appeared before the Akal Takht, including:
- Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
- Gurmeet Singh Khudian
- Baljit Kaur
- Balbir Singh
- Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan
- Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa
- Sukhpal Singh Khaira
- Pargat Singh
- Other Sikh MLAs across party lines
Rebel Akali MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali said he would accept whatever decision the Akal Takht delivers.
Government Defends the Law
AAP leaders maintained that the legislation was drafted solely to ensure stronger punishment for those committing sacrilege.
They said the government’s intention is to protect the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib and not interfere in religious affairs.
Key Highlights
- Sikh MLAs and Ministers appeared before the Akal Takht on June 29.
- The summons relate to Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law passed in 2026.
- The Akal Takht says the law was enacted without consulting the Sikh community.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not summoned.
- The religious body supports strict punishment but seeks amendments to controversial provisions.
- The Punjab Government maintains the law is meant to strengthen protection against sacrilege.
