Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
A significant religious hearing began at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Monday regarding the Punjab government's Jaagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. Acting on the directives of the Akal Takht, all Sikh ministers and MLAs of the Punjab government arrived barefoot before the five Sikh high priests (Panj Singh Sahibans) and submitted written explanations on the controversial legislation.
The proceedings drew leaders from across the political spectrum. Besides ministers and legislators from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), MLAs from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and independent members also attended the hearing. The developments are being closely watched by both religious and political circles.
During the hearing, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Chairman of the Punjab Assembly's Select Committee, requested that Sri Akal Takht Sahib clearly specify which provisions should be included in the legislation.
Responding to the request, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that while enacting laws is the government's constitutional authority, any legislation related to Sikh religious matters should be framed only after consultation with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Before the hearing commenced, an Ardas was performed in the presence of Guru Sahib at the Sri Akal Takht Secretariat. Following the prayer, the five Sikh high priests began deliberations on the amendments to the sacrilege law while observing all prescribed Sikh religious traditions and protocols.
The Ardas was attended by Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj; Harmandir Sahib Granthis Giani Baljit Singh and Giani Keval Singh; Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh; and Giani Mangal Singh, one of the Panj Pyare of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
