Punjab forms 7-member panel to hold talks with Akal Takht on anti-sacrilege law

The Punjab government on Wednesday constituted a seven-member committee to coordinate with and hold discussions with the panel formed by the Akal Takht on the anti-sacrilege law. The committee will also provide suggestions on the further course of action.

The Akal Takht has raised several objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. The bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13.

The seven-member committee includes former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, retired Justice Jaspal Singh, retired Justice Gurbir Singh, retired IPS officer and former Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and law officer Preet Inder Pal Singh.

This committee will maintain coordination, have discussions and communication with the committee constituted by the Akal Takht -- the highest temporal seat of Sikhs-- and will submit a report on important issues and suggestions to the Punjab Government for further necessary action, according to an official order of the state home department.

The law includes a provision for stricter punishment, including life imprisonment for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. It also proposes fines from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

However, the Akal Takht had expressed reservations on the law, particularly related to Sikh terminology, "custodian" of the religious text and assigning unique numbers to the holy "Birs".

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj on June 29 had directed the state government to address objections concerning the anti-sacrilege law within a month.

Gargajj on July 30 had rejected the Punjab government's response regarding the anti-sacrilege law as "unsatisfactory" and announced a five-member committee to engage with the AAP dispensation on the issue.

The panel constituted by the Akal Takht on August 7 had asked the AAP dispensation to first submit a compliance report on the June 29 order of the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs.

The Akal Takht panel comprised retired Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi, retired Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, senior advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholars Dr Kehar Singh and Prof. Jagmohan Singh.- EndsWith PTI inputsPublished By: Tanu jainPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 23:29 IST