Amritsar | Updated: June 29, 2026
Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Monday directed Punjab MLAs to address Panthic objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, within one month.
The direction came during proceedings at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where Sikh MLAs and ministers from Punjab appeared to present their stand on the newly passed anti-sacrilege law. The legislation was passed by the Punjab Assembly, reportedly without prior consent from Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
The proceedings were led by the five Sikh high priests, headed by acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Owing to space constraints at the existing Akal Takht secretariat, the interaction was held in a specially erected pandal inside the hall of the under-construction new secretariat building opposite the present premises.
During the hearing, the Jathedar outlined objections raised by the Sikh clergy and asked legislators to remove them through suitable amendments to the Act.
Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party ministers and MLAs, along with Sikh legislators from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, attended the proceedings. Sikh MLAs were summoned to appear in person, while non-Sikh legislators were asked to submit their views in writing.
According to information, the Punjab Assembly currently has 89 Sikh and 28 non-Sikh MLAs. Around 50 Sikh legislators are keshadhari Sikhs, while 38 are considered patit Sikhs. Since patit Sikhs are not summoned to the front courtyard of Akal Takht as per established norms, all MLAs were asked to appear inside the hall of the new secretariat building.
Sources said each Sikh MLA was expected to briefly explain whether they personally supported the Satkar Act and whether they continued to support or oppose it in view of objections raised by Akal Takht.
A separate discussion may also be held with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and ministers regarding possible amendments to the law. One or two legislators each from AAP, Congress and SAD may also be asked to present their party’s stand.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said 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 and make it public after the meeting.
Congress MLA Pargat Singh said party legislators had a common position but would also share their individual views if asked during the proceedings.
AAP ministers and MLAs, who were staying at the Circuit House, reached the Akal Takht secretariat ahead of the hearing. Congress and SAD leaders also arrived for the proceedings, including Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, Bikram Singh Majithia and Manpreet Singh Ayali.
The development has triggered major political and religious discussion in Punjab, where issues related to sacrilege and Sikh religious authority remain highly sensitive.
