Akal Takht gives Punjab govt 1 month to amend anti-sacrilege law (File: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Akal Takht on Monday gave the AAP-led Punjab government one month to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026 in line with Sikh sentiments.The directive came after the Sikh legislators and ministers appeared before the Akal Takht and agreed to revise the law. Responding affirmatively to the Takht’s call, they assured the highest temporal seat of Sikhs that the amendments would be made in accordance with Sikh religious sentiments within the stipulated time.What is the row aboutThe row centres on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab assembly on April 13 and received the governor’s assent within days. The legislation amends the 2008 Act to introduce life imprisonment for those convicted of conspiring to commit sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib with the intent to disturb communal harmony, along with a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Other offences under the Act carry imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.The amended law also requires the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of every Saroop (physical copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, including details of its printing, storage, distribution, custodian and a unique identification number. Custodians have been tasked with ensuring the safe keeping of the holy scripture and immediately reporting any incident involving damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege.The controversy erupted after the Akal Takht objected to the manner in which the law was enacted, alleging that the Punjab government failed to consult Sikh religious institutions before legislating on a matter concerning the Sikh faith. It subsequently summoned the Punjab Cabinet and all Sikh MLAs across party lines to appear on June 29 and explain why the legislation was passed without taking the Akal Takht or the SGPC into confidence.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 DaysBengal Moves Toward Uniform Civil Code as BJP Government Prepares to Introduce UCC BillBengal Likely To Adopt Odisha’s Midday Meal Formula Amid ISKCON Egg ControversyFrom India, Sheikh Hasina Announces Plan to Return to Bangladesh This YearArunachal Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises To 3, Rescue Ops On, 7 Districts Cut Off By LandslidesUddhav Thackeray Seeks Disqualification Of 6 Rebel MPs, Claims ‘Operation Devendra’ Targets FadnavisKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis123PhotostoriesPadma Shri awardee Rohit Sharma loves this high-protein Maharashtrian snack; detailed recipe inside6 places in Europe that are hotter right now than several North Indian cities and what travellers need to knowCan a snake bite through jeans or boots? 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Akal Takht gives Punjab govt 1 month to amend anti-sacrilege law (File: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Akal Takht on Monday gave the AAP-led Punjab government one month to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026 in line with Sikh sentiments.The directive came after the Sikh legislators and ministers appeared before the Akal Takht and agreed to revise the law. Responding affirmatively to the Takht’s call, they assured the highest temporal seat of Sikhs that the amendments would be made in accordance with Sikh religious sentiments within the stipulated time.What is the row aboutThe row centres on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab assembly on April 13 and received the governor’s assent within days. The legislation amends the 2008 Act to introduce life imprisonment for those convicted of conspiring to commit sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib with the intent to disturb communal harmony, along with a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Other offences under the Act carry imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.The amended law also requires the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of every Saroop (physical copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, including details of its printing, storage, distribution, custodian and a unique identification number. Custodians have been tasked with ensuring the safe keeping of the holy scripture and immediately reporting any incident involving damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege.The controversy erupted after the Akal Takht objected to the manner in which the law was enacted, alleging that the Punjab government failed to consult Sikh religious institutions before legislating on a matter concerning the Sikh faith. It subsequently summoned the Punjab Cabinet and all Sikh MLAs across party lines to appear on June 29 and explain why the legislation was passed without taking the Akal Takht or the SGPC into confidence.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 DaysBengal Moves Toward Uniform Civil Code as BJP Government Prepares to Introduce UCC BillBengal Likely To Adopt Odisha’s Midday Meal Formula Amid ISKCON Egg ControversyFrom India, Sheikh Hasina Announces Plan to Return to Bangladesh This YearArunachal Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises To 3, Rescue Ops On, 7 Districts Cut Off By LandslidesUddhav Thackeray Seeks Disqualification Of 6 Rebel MPs, Claims ‘Operation Devendra’ Targets FadnavisKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis123PhotostoriesPadma Shri awardee Rohit Sharma loves this high-protein Maharashtrian snack; detailed recipe inside6 places in Europe that are hotter right now than several North Indian cities and what travellers need to knowCan a snake bite through jeans or boots? Here’s what experts say and tips to stay safe outdoorsBeyond the traffic jams: The real overtourism crisis in hill stationsThe honey buzzard: 6 Fascinating facts about the bird that feasts on bee and wasp nests5 Canadian lakes and the interesting stories behind their namesSuccess quote of the day by Deepika Padukone: ‘Success has everything to do with working hard’At 11, Warren Buffett invested his entire savings in one stock that more than doubled after he sold it: The painful lesson that changed how he invested forever5 high-protein breakfast shakes for summer months offering 25g protein per glass60-second money lesson: The ₹200 rule that can stop impulse shopping123Hot PicksTNEA rank listKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftWeather TomorrowNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026Kota JEE Aspirant DeathKarla Caves Lion PillarAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News


Sikh sacrilege row explained: Akal Takht gives Punjab govt 1 month to amend law; Sikh MLAs, ministers agree
Akal Takht gives Punjab govt 1 month to amend anti-sacrilege law (File: PTI)

NEW DELHI: The Akal Takht on Monday gave the AAP-led Punjab government one month to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026 in line with Sikh sentiments.The directive came after the Sikh legislators and ministers appeared before the Akal Takht and agreed to revise the law. Responding affirmatively to the Takht’s call, they assured the highest temporal seat of Sikhs that the amendments would be made in accordance with Sikh religious sentiments within the stipulated time.

What is the row about

The row centres on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab assembly on April 13 and received the governor’s assent within days. The legislation amends the 2008 Act to introduce life imprisonment for those convicted of conspiring to commit sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib with the intent to disturb communal harmony, along with a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Other offences under the Act carry imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.The amended law also requires the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of every Saroop (physical copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, including details of its printing, storage, distribution, custodian and a unique identification number. Custodians have been tasked with ensuring the safe keeping of the holy scripture and immediately reporting any incident involving damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege.The controversy erupted after the Akal Takht objected to the manner in which the law was enacted, alleging that the Punjab government failed to consult Sikh religious institutions before legislating on a matter concerning the Sikh faith. It subsequently summoned the Punjab Cabinet and all Sikh MLAs across party lines to appear on June 29 and explain why the legislation was passed without taking the Akal Takht or the SGPC into confidence.



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