A special meeting of Sikh organisations, including Singh Sabhas, Sukhmani Sewa Societies and other religious bodies, was held under Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at Gurdwara Diwan Asthan in Jalandhar on Sunday to discuss the state government’s Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Addressing a gathering, Jathedar Gargaj said the Sikh community supported strict punishment for those guilty in sacrilege cases but opposed any move that sought to control Sikh religious affairs, under the garb of the Act.
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“There are no objections to punishing those found guilty in sacrilege cases. But he alleged that the new law could lead to interference in religious matters.
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Gargaj further questioned the state government’s handling of past sacrilege cases and said action should also be considered against heads of sects if their followers were found involved in such incidents. He added that the Act was restrictive in nature and could impact the Sikh community.
Local leaders and members of the Shiromani Akali Dal also participated in the meeting. Several speakers raised concerns over various provisions of the Act, while some representatives questioned why key issues were not flagged earlier by the Akal Takht or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). A resolution was passed on the occasion, stating that the Akal Takht would have the final say on the Act, and its decision would be considered binding for the community