Punjab’s AAP and opposition Sikh MLAs are set to appear before the Akal Takht on Monday to explain their stand on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab Assembly reportedly without obtaining the consent of the highest Sikh temporal authority, Akal Takht, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The proceedings, scheduled to begin at 11 am, will also see Sikh ministers present their clarification before the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
Owing to space constraints at the existing secretariat, the interaction will be held in a specially erected pandal inside the hall of the under-construction new secretariat building opposite the current premises.
According to information, the Jathedar will briefly ask each Sikh MLA whether they personally supported the Satkar Act and whether, in light of the objections raised by the Akal Takht, they continue to support or oppose the legislation.
MLAs are expected to give concise replies outlining their individual position on the Act.
Sources said a separate meeting may also be held with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and ministers to discuss possible amendments to the legislation.
It is also learnt that one or two legislators each from the ruling AAP, the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal may be asked to present their respective party’s stand on the issue.
The Punjab Assembly currently has 89 Sikh and 28 non-Sikh MLAs. While Sikh MLAs have been summoned to appear in person, non-Sikh legislators have been asked to submit their views in writing.
Of the Sikh legislators, around 50, including women MLAs, are keshadhari Sikhs, while 38 are considered ‘patit’ Sikhs.
As per the established norms of the Akal Takht, patit Sikhs are not summoned to the front courtyard of the Akal Takht. Consequently, all MLAs have been asked to appear in the hall of the new secretariat building instead.
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Congress, SAD MLAs begin arriving for Akal Takht hearing
June 29, 2026 10:55 am
Sikh legislators from the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) began arriving at the secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to attend the meeting. Among those who had reached the venue were Congress leaders Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa; SAD MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia; senior Akali leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Manpreet Singh Ayali, who was elected on a SAD ticket and is currently associated with Akali Dal Waris Punjab De.
