Amritsar: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgaj, has urged the Punjab government not to implement the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar (Amendment) Act, 2026 until the provisions considered controversial are removed.
The Jathedar said implementation of the law or any related notification should remain on hold until the dispute over the contentious provisions is resolved.
His statement comes after the Punjab government constituted a seven-member committee on September 16 to coordinate on the legislation.
Commenting on the committee, Garhgaj said it was formed after the deadline given by Sri Akal Takht Sahib to the government had expired. He said the objections raised over provisions relating to sacrilege should be addressed and the matter resolved.
The committee includes former Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, retired Justice Jaspal Singh, retired Justice Gurbir Singh, former IPS officer Jatinder Singh Aulakh and legal officer Preetinder Pal Singh.
On BJP MP’s apology
Reacting to BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s written apology submitted to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Garhgaj said Bidhuri’s participation in the bhog ceremony of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar was a “major mistake”.
He said that if a non-Sikh MP had acknowledged his mistake, sought forgiveness from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and expressed willingness to accept its directions or punishment, it should serve as guidance for those who, despite being Sikhs, were not following the directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
