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Concerns over ‘state interference’: Gargaj calls Sikh bodies, scholars’ meet to discuss anti-sacrilege law
Akal Takht acting jathedar Gargaj announced a meeting with Sikh bodies, lawyers and scholars to discuss objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act-2026, set for May 3. The Punjab assembly passed the Act on April 13 and the governor granted assent on April 19, with SGPC backing the law but Gargaj raising objections to provisions involving SGPC oversight. The article also notes moves over Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy plea and Sukhbir Badal’s “conspiracy” remark in the context of the broader dispute.
Why It Matters
The timeline illustrates divisions within the Sikh community over the anti-sacrilege law and potential friction between religious authorities and the state, with implications for SGPC’s role and Akal Takht’s authority.
Timeline
6 Events
April 28, 2026 — Gargaj calls meeting for May 3; letters sent
April 28, 2026
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj convened a meeting of Sikh bodies, lawyers and scholars at Bhai Gurdas Hall near the Golden Temple to discuss objections to the Act; the meeting is scheduled for May 3, with letters sent to participants. The Act also requires SGPC to maintain a central register of saroops and share printing/storage/distribution details on the SGPC website.
April 20, 2026 — SGPC appeals for withdrawal of mercy plea
April 20, 2026
The SGPC executive committee appealed to the Akal Takht to issue an edict on withdrawal of Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy plea, which was filed with the President in 2012.
April 19, 2026 — Governor assents to the Act
April 19, 2026
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act-2026.
April 13, 2026 — Punjab assembly passes the Act
April 13, 2026
The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act-2026 to address sacrilege incidents. The Act proposes a minimum imprisonment of seven years, extendable to life for criminal conspiracies intended to disrupt communal harmony, with fines up to ₹25 lakh. It also requires the SGPC to maintain a central register of saroops with unique IDs and printing/storage details, accessible on the SGPC website.
April 6, 2026 — Sukhbir Badal’s conspiracy remark at Budhlada rally
April 6, 2026
SAD president Sukhbir Badal referred to the December 2, 2024 decree as a conspiracy at a rally in Budhlada. Following his remarks, SGPC members and SAD (Punar Surjit) leaders filed a complaint with Akal Takht’s acting jathedar Gargaj.
December 2, 2024 — SAD decree described as conspiracy
December 2, 2024
Opponents described a December 2, 2024 decree issued by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as a 'conspiracy'.