Punjab’s Sacrilege Law Debate Intensifies as Sikh MLAs Prepare for Akal Takht Appearance

Punjab’s political controversy over the anti-sacrilege law reached the Akal Takht in Amritsar on June 29 , with Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers appearing before the Sikh temporal body to present their views on the contentious legislation.

The appearance followed a summons issued by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj on June 15 , calling all Sikh MLAs, irrespective of party affiliation, and Sikh ministers to explain their stand on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 .

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier said that Sikh ministers and legislators from the state government would represent the government’s position before the Akal Takht and submit their views in writing. Mann clarified that he himself had not been summoned but said the government would consider any suggestions made by the Sikh religious body. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was also scheduled to accompany the delegation.

The issue stems from objections raised by the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the anti-sacrilege law. The Sikh bodies alleged that the legislation was enacted without consultation with the Sikh Panth and sought changes in provisions they claimed were against the sentiments of Guru Granth Sahib, the Khalsa Panth and the Sikh Sangat .

Non-Sikh cabinet ministers were asked to submit their views in writing before the hearing.

The controversy has added to political tensions in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government facing questions over the legislation. The government has maintained that the law was brought to strengthen action against incidents of sacrilege.

Meanwhile, Mann also submitted his stand on a separate controversial video row , reiterating that he was not the person seen in the clip and claiming that the individual shown was wearing a mask resembling his face. The Sikh clergy had earlier declared Mann as “Guru Dokhi” and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” over the issue, a charge the Chief Minister has denied.