A day after the Akal Takht-led congregation at Takht Damdama Sahib over the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, Sikh groups on Monday gathered at Takht Kesgarh Sahib to oppose provisions of the law, alleging that they were contrary to Sikh religious principles and traditions.
Congregation Unanimously Opposes Law
The congregation, convened on the directions of the Akal Takht, saw speakers unanimously argue that instead of focusing on strict punishment for sacrilege, the law appeared to place religious institutions, gurdwara committees and Sikh functionaries under legal scrutiny.
SGPC President Calls Law a 'Serious Challenge'
Addressing the gathering, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami described the legislation as a 'serious challenge' for the Sikh community. He alleged the government was trying to bring the spiritual authority of Guru Granth Sahib under legal interpretation.
Dhami said the Sikh community supported strict punishment for sacrilege, but could not accept provisions that interfered in its internal religious affairs or hurt sentiments. He also questioned certain public statements made by the state government on the law, claiming they did not match the actual legal text.
Akal Takht Jathedar Alleges Dilution of Identity
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj alleged that the legislation sought to dilute the distinct identity and religious autonomy of the Sikh community. He said no government had the authority to legislate on the internal spiritual affairs of a religion without consent of its followers.
Criticism Over English Draft
Giani Tek Singh criticised the government for presenting the draft legislation in English, alleging that it created confusion and excluded many community members who were not proficient in the language.
The gathering at Takht Kesgarh Sahib marked another chapter in the ongoing opposition to the Act, with Sikh leaders vowing to continue their protests until the law is amended to align with Sikh religious principles.
