17 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab government has constituted a seven-member committee to coordinate and hold discussions with the committee formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib over objections to the state’s amended anti-sacrilege law.
The panel will examine issues raised by the Sikh temporal seat and submit suggestions and recommendations to the Punjab government for further action. The development comes amid an ongoing disagreement over several provisions of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Who Is on the Seven-Member Panel?
The Punjab government’s committee includes:
- Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh
- Damdami Taksal chief Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa
- Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera
- Retired Justice Jaspal Singh
- Retired Justice Gurbir Singh
- Retired IPS officer and former Punjab Public Service Commission chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh
- Punjab government law officer Preet Inder Pal Singh.
According to the government order, the panel will maintain continuous communication and coordination with the committee constituted by Akal Takht.
Akal Takht Had Raised Objections
The move follows objections raised by Akal Takht over several provisions of the amended legislation.
Among the concerns are the use of certain Sikh terminology, provisions referring to a “custodian” of the Guru Granth Sahib and the proposal to assign unique numbers to the holy Birs.
Akal Takht had earlier directed the Punjab government to address its concerns and subsequently rejected the government’s response as unsatisfactory.
What Does the Anti-Sacrilege Law Provide?
The amended law provides for stringent punishment for acts of sacrilege involving the Guru Granth Sahib.
It includes a provision for life imprisonment for such offences and proposes fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
The legislation was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13, 2026.
Akal Takht Also Formed Its Own Panel
Akal Takht had constituted a separate committee to engage with the Punjab government on the disputed provisions.
That panel includes retired Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi, retired Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, senior advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholars Dr Kehar Singh and Prof Jagmohan Singh, with Lakhvir Singh serving as coordinator, according to reports.
Government to Consider Recommendations
The newly formed Punjab government panel will discuss the outstanding issues with the Akal Takht committee and consider suggestions related to the legislation.
It will then submit a report to the state government, which can consider the recommendations for any further action or amendments.
Earlier Amendment Move Was Deferred
The issue had already affected the legislative process.
During the Punjab Assembly’s monsoon session, the state government postponed plans to introduce further amendments after Akal Takht directed Sikh MLAs and Cabinet ministers not to proceed until consensus was reached with Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Focus Now on Consensus
The formation of the seven-member panel shifts the focus toward discussions between the state government and Akal Takht.
The immediate objective is to examine the objections, maintain communication between the two committees and identify areas where changes or clarification may be required.
The final course of action will depend on the recommendations emerging from these discussions and the government’s subsequent decision.