Akal Takht panel seeks govt clarification on implementation of anti-sacrilege law

The expert committee constituted by Akal Takht has sought clarification from the Punjab government on its compliance with directives issued on May 11 and June 29 and whether any order has been issued to stay the implementation of the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. The clarification has been sought ahead of a proposed meeting between the committee and the state government on November 18 to discuss the legislation.

The committee discussed a letter dated November 13, received from the Nodal Officer of the Punjab Government’s Coordination Committee, during a meeting held on November 14. Following the deliberations, it agreed to participate in the proposed meeting but maintained that the government must first clarify its position on two key issues.

In a letter to the Nodal Officer, committee coordinator Lakhvir Singh asked whether the government had taken any steps to implement the directives issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 29, 2026. The directives were issued after Cabinet ministers and MLAs had expressed their agreement before the Five Singh Sahiban, according to the committee.

The second question concerns whether the government has issued any order or notification to stay the operation of the Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, in accordance with the directives issued on May 11 and June 29.

The committee has sought clear yes-or-no responses to both questions. If the government has taken action, it has been asked to provide details. If no steps have been taken, the government has been asked to explain the reasons.

The committee has requested an immediate response so that it can decide the further course of action in the matter.

The meeting was attended by Justice (Retd) Rupinder Singh Sodhi, Justice (Retd) Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, Senior Advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholar Dr Kehar Singh and Professor Jagmohan Singh. Coordinator Lakhvir Singh, Additional Secretary of the SGPC, and Jaskaran Singh, Media Adviser to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat, were also present.