Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said the Akal Takht is supreme for “all of us” and reiterated that his government would take every possible step to safeguard the sanctity and dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib through the strongest possible legal measures against sacrilege.
During a meeting with a seven-member committee formed by the Punjab government to discuss changes to an anti-sacrilege law enacted in April, Mann said provisions providing life imprisonment and substantial fines for those found guilty of ‘beadbi’ are central to the legislation and must not be weakened.
The meeting focused on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, concerns raised over certain provisions and the way forward through discussions and consensus, according to an official statement.
Mann directed the committee to hold detailed and regular consultations with the panel constituted by the Akal Takht to examine the proposed amendments. He asked the members to consider the panel’s recommendations and work towards a consensus while ensuring that the law continues to offer the strongest possible protection to the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib and addresses the “deeply hurt sentiments of the Sikh Sangat”.
Mann said the fundamental purpose and spirit of the legislation should not be compromised during discussions with the Akal Takht panel. He maintained that provisions prescribing life imprisonment and heavy fines for acts of sacrilege are the foundation of the law and should not be diluted.
The chief minister said the government’s sole aim was to ensure the harshest possible punishment for those convicted of sacrilege, so that nobody would consider committing such a serious offence.
He said concerns had emerged over certain provisions of the Act, prompting the government to establish a seven-member panel comprising eminent intellectuals and legal experts to examine the issues.
According to Mann, the proposed amendments would be thoroughly examined with the aim of finding an amicable solution after considering legal, constitutional and other relevant factors.
He also instructed committee members to engage with the panel appointed by the Akal Takht so that any necessary amendments could be initiated through consultation and consensus. He said the government would approach the process with the highest level of respect and sensitivity.
Mann said the state government’s objective remained straightforward: ensuring complete protection for the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib while making sure the legislation effectively fulfils its intended purpose. He expressed hope that the committee’s discussions would produce an outcome reflecting the sentiments of the Sikh Panth and further strengthen the legal framework designed to protect the religious scripture.
Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Baba Sahib Singh of Damdami Taksal and Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera were among those who attended the meeting.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on April 13. Governor’s assent was granted on April 17, following which the legislation was notified as an Act.
The Akal Takht subsequently raised objections to several provisions, particularly the terminology used for Sikh concepts, the designation of the Guru Granth Sahib as a “custodian” and the provision for assigning unique numbers to holy “Birs”.
On June 29, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj gave the state government one month to address the concerns. On July 30, he termed the government’s response “unsatisfactory” and announced a five-member committee to hold discussions with the AAP-led government on the matter.
