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Akal Takht writes to Punjab Speaker to remove contentious clauses in anti-sacrilege law
The Akal Takht sent a letter to Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan objecting to provisions in the anti-sacrilege amendment, including a proposed SGPC central registry of saroops and digital tracking. It asserts exclusive Takht authority over Guru Granth Sahib-related rules and urges removal of terms and mechanisms seen as government interference. The letter follows a recent ultimatum issued by the Takht and a broader dispute over the Act’s provisions.
Why It Matters
This signals a significant clash between Sikh religious authorities and the state over governance of religious scriptures and the scope of government rules in panthic affairs, with potential implications for religious autonomy and law enforcement.
Timeline
6 Events
Media coverage: article about Akal Takht letter
May 12, 2026
News reporting notes the Akal Takht letter to the Punjab Speaker and places it in the context of ongoing debates over the anti-sacrilege law.
Akal Takht writes to Punjab Speaker raising objections to the Act
May 11, 2026
Akal Takht sends a letter to Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan outlining objections to the Act, including its mandate for SGPC to maintain a central digital registry of saroops, requests removal of non-traditional terminology, and asserts Takht's exclusive authority over rules related to Guru Granth Sahib and Panthic matters.
Akal Takht issues 15-day ultimatum to the AAP government on the Act
May 8, 2026
The Akal Takht announces a 15-day timeframe for the AAP government to remove objectionable clauses it says hurt Sikh sentiments and interfere in Panthic affairs.
Bill notified by the Punjab government
April 20, 2026
The government notifies the anti-sacrilege bill after assent.
Punjab Governor grants assent to the anti-sacrilege bill
April 17, 2026
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria accords assent to the anti-sacrilege bill.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes the anti-sacrilege bill (amendments to the 2008 Act) in a special session
April 13, 2026
The Punjab Legislative Assembly passes the anti-sacrilege bill, with amendments to the 2008 Act, during a special one-day session.