The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called for a 'Panthic Conference' to deliberate on the provisions of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. While the Punjab government claims the legislation aims to strengthen anti-sacrilege laws, several Sikh bodies have raised objections.
Conference Details
Speaking to the media in Amritsar on Wednesday, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami announced that the conference will be held on May 31 at Baba Bakala, under the guidance of the Akal Takht. He noted that during recent meetings to discuss the legislation, speakers called for a larger gathering of all Sikh organisations to address the fallout of the law.
Objections Raised by Sikh Bodies
Among the key concerns are provisions that allegedly hold granthis, gurdwara committees, and devotees legally accountable in sacrilege cases. There are also fears of increased police interference in gurdwara affairs, and the lack of consultations with Sikh institutions before the law was enacted. Dhami clarified that the gathering is not intended for confrontation, but to represent the community's objections and sentiments.
Appeal for Participation
Dhami appealed to all Sikh organisations, including Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh groups, Nirmala and Udasi sects, Kar Sewa saints, and all Sikh federations, to participate in large numbers.
Historical Context of Amendments
Dhami pointed out that when amendments related to Sikh laws were made in the past, the SGPC had formally passed resolutions and submitted them to the government. He cited examples such as amendments to the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, regarding reservation for women, and the 2008 law concerning the printing and publication of Guru Granth Sahib, for which resolutions were duly passed and forwarded. He also mentioned that the government's amendment related to Sehajdharis had been struck down because no resolution was passed by the SGPC.
Lack of Consultation
In the present case, Dhami said the government did not share the draft of the amendment with the SGPC or the Akal Takht before making changes. As a result, several clauses and terminologies in the law do not align with Sikh principles.
No Opposition to Punishing Sacrilege
Dhami clarified that there is no opposition to punishing those guilty of sacrilege under the amended law. However, Sikh congregations have objections to certain clauses and terminology related to religious maryada that they believe hurt Sikh sentiments. He urged the government not to adopt an adamant attitude in matters concerning Sikh sentiments.
Referring to observations by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in a petition, Dhami noted that the judiciary itself emphasized that there should be no interference in religious matters.
