28 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said the state government is willing to examine concerns and consider amendments to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, but its core provisions, including life imprisonment and heavy fines for sacrilege, will remain intact.
Mann made the remarks after meeting a seven-member government-appointed committee tasked with examining objections raised by the Akal Takht and facilitating consultations on the legislation.
Government Panel to Hold Consultations
Mann directed the seven-member committee to first deliberate internally and then hold detailed discussions with the panel constituted by the Akal Takht and the SGPC.
The objective is to examine the disputed provisions from legal, constitutional and other relevant perspectives and work towards a consensus on any changes that may be required.
Core Punishment Provisions to Remain
Mann has maintained that the provisions prescribing life imprisonment and heavy fines for perpetrators of sacrilege form the foundation of the amended law.
He said the government would consider concerns about specific provisions but would not compromise the legislation’s core objective of protecting the sanctity and dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The Act provides for 10 years to life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹25 lakh for certain acts of sacrilege committed with the intent of disturbing public order, communal harmony or religious sentiments.
Akal Takht Has Raised Several Objections
The legislation has faced objections from the Akal Takht over several provisions.
Among the concerns are the terminology used for the holy scripture, the definition and role of its custodians, and provisions relating to centralised record-keeping and unique numbering of holy Birs.
The objections prompted the formation of a separate five-member panel by the SGPC to engage with the Punjab government on the legislation.
Law Was Passed Unanimously
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the amendment Bill on April 13, 2026.
It received the Governor’s assent on April 17 and was subsequently notified as an Act. The legislation was intended to strengthen legal punishment for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
September 30 Deadline
The latest consultations come ahead of a September 30 deadline set amid the dispute over the legislation.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj had earlier directed the state government to address objections to the law. After the government’s response was described as unsatisfactory, the Akal Takht moved towards a formal dialogue through its own committee.
Seven-Member Committee
The Punjab government’s committee includes former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal representative Baba Sahib Singh, Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, retired judges Jaspal Singh and Gurbir Singh, former IPS officer Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and advocate Preet Inder Pal Singh.
Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa also participated in the latest meeting online.
Consultation Rather Than Withdrawal
The government’s current position is that the legislation will be reviewed rather than withdrawn.
Mann has said proposed amendments can be examined if necessary, but the law’s deterrent character and its central objective of protecting the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib should not be weakened.
What Happens Next
The government panel is expected to conduct further internal deliberations before beginning substantive discussions with the Akal Takht and SGPC committees.
Any proposed changes will have to be examined from legal and constitutional perspectives before the state government takes a final decision.