Chandigarh, Sept 2026 : Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reiterated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme for everyone and said his government would…
Chandigarh, Sept 2026 : Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reiterated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme for everyone and said his government would leave no stone unturned to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by ensuring the strictest possible legal framework against sacrilege. During a detailed meeting with a seven-member high-level committee constituted by the state government, the Chief Minister said life imprisonment and heavy fines for those committing sacrilege were the core provisions of the proposed law and there could be no dilution in these provisions
The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s residence, discussed concerns raised over certain provisions of the ‘Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satikar (Amendment) Act, 2026’ and explored ways to address them through consultation and consensus. Mann directed the committee to review the proposed amendments, consider the suggestions received and hold detailed and continuous meetings with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib
He also directed the committee to ensure that the legislation remains true to its fundamental objective of protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and helps provide reassurance to the Sikh community
Mann said, “While discussing the provisions of this law with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and working towards consensus, there should be no compromise with the basic spirit and primary objective of the legislation. Life imprisonment and heavy fines for those committing sacrilege are the core provisions of this law. Therefore, there should be no dilution in them.”
The Chief Minister said the legislation had provided relief to the Sikh community, whose sentiments had been deeply hurt by repeated incidents of sacrilege. He said the provisions were intended to create a strong deterrent against those contemplating such offences
“Our government’s primary objective is to ensure the strictest possible punishment for those accused of sacrilege so that no person dares to commit such a serious offence in the future,” Mann said. He added that concerns had been raised regarding certain provisions of the 2026 amendment law and that the government was prepared to examine them fully
For this purpose, the state government has constituted a seven-member committee comprising prominent personalities associated with the religious sector, intellectuals and legal experts. Mann said the committee would hold detailed consultations with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and examine every aspect of the legislation before providing appropriate guidance to the state government
He said the proposed amendments would be discussed in detail so that an acceptable solution could be reached after taking into account all legal, constitutional and other relevant aspects. The Chief Minister said he had directed nodal officer and PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu to ensure complete coordination for future meetings and provide the committee with the required assistance
Mann said committee members had been asked to hold continuous meetings with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib so that the process of making necessary amendments to the law could begin through dialogue and mutual agreement
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Source: Maverick News30
