Chandigarh, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said there would be no compromise on the core objective of the law aimed at protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, while calling for consultations with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on proposed amendments.
Mann made the remarks during a meeting with the seven-member high-level committee constituted by the Punjab government to examine provisions of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. The meeting was held at his official residence in Chandigarh.
The Chief Minister said the provisions prescribing life imprisonment and heavy fines for perpetrators of sacrilege formed the core foundation of the legislation and should not be diluted. He said the government was willing to examine concerns raised over certain provisions while ensuring that the law remained effective and legally sound.
“While discussing the provisions of the law with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and working towards building consensus, the spirit and core objective of the law must not be compromised,” Mann said.
He said the government’s seven-member committee would hold detailed and regular meetings with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib to consider its suggestions and work towards consensus on the proposed amendments. The state government had constituted the coordination committee to engage with the Akal Takht panel on the legislation.
Mann said Sri Akal Takht Sahib was “supreme for all of us” and that his government would approach the consultation process with “utmost respect and sensitivity”.
He said the legislation was intended to provide a strong legal framework against sacrilege and that the government wanted to address legitimate legal and constitutional concerns without weakening its intended purpose.
The Chief Minister also said the law had provided “solace” to the Sikh Sangat, which he said had been deeply hurt by incidents of sacrilege. He added that the objective was to ensure that those responsible faced strict punishment and that the sanctity and dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji remained protected.
The meeting comes amid objections raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib over provisions of the amended legislation. Reports have identified concerns relating to the definition of the custodian of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and provisions concerning the numbering of holy Birs.
Mann said the proposed amendments would be examined comprehensively, taking into account legal, constitutional and other relevant aspects. He directed nodal officer PCS Harjit Singh Sandhu to ensure coordination for future meetings and provide assistance to the committee.
The committee members who attended the meeting included former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, Justice (Retd.) Jaspal Singh, Justice (Retd.) Gurbir Singh, IPS (Retd.) Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Law Officer Preet Inder Pal Singh.
Director, Punjab Bureau of Investigation LK Yadav and advocates GS Ghuman and GPS Ghuman, along with other senior officers, were also present.
FOLLOW NOW
