Acting on the directions of the Akal Takht Jathedar, SGPC has installed information boards outside various gurdwaras to apprise Sikhs of the shortcomings and objections of the Panth to the recently passed ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026’ enacted by the Punjab Government.
SGPC officials said that the flex boards highlight concerns raised by Sikh scholars and intellectuals regarding several provisions of the Act. They read that the use of the term ‘custodian’ in the legislation could hold sewadars, granthis, akhand pathis, gurdwara committees, and devotees organising Akhand Path legally accountable in cases related to sacrilege or alleged violation of “maryada”, thereby bringing them under the ambit of punishment.
SGPC further said that the Act could create fear among devotees by treating violations of “maryada” as legal offences and could pave the way for direct police interference inside gurdwaras. It also objected to the alleged alteration of Panthic terminology and the manner in which terms associated with Sikh religious traditions and institutions have been defined.
Sharing details, SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan described the issue as highly sensitive and linked to the sentiments of the Sikh community. He said several Sikh scholars and intellectuals had expressed serious objections to the legislation and it was necessary to make the community aware of these concerns.
He stated that incidents of sacrilege related to Guru Granth Sahib are extremely sensitive for the Sikh community, and any law framed on the matter must be in accordance with Panthic sentiments, Gurmat principles, and the guidance of the Akal Takht.
Mannan appealed to the Sikh sangat to remain vigilant about the issue and stay united under the leadership of the Akal Takht for safeguarding Panthic unity and principles.
