Chandigarh: The Punjab government is set to discuss amendments to the state’s sacrilege-related law during the upcoming Monsoon Assembly Session, with the proposed changes based on suggestions made by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced after a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh that the government has sought a legal opinion from the Advocate General’s office before placing the proposed amendments before the Assembly.
The Punjab Cabinet has agreed to convene the Monsoon Session from August 3 to August 10, with the possibility of extending the session if required.
Legal Opinion Sought Before Final Decision on Amendments
CM Bhagwant Mann said that the government will take a final decision after receiving the Advocate General’s legal advice.
The proposed amendments are being prepared in consultation with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Advocate General’s office.
The government has already held discussions with SGPC representatives regarding possible changes to the Jagt Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The draft amendments are expected to address concerns raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding several provisions of the law.
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Sri Akal Takht Sahib Suggested Around 10 Changes in the Law
The suggestions came after Sri Akal Takht Sahib called Sikh legislators for a meeting on June 29 and recommended changes in various sections of the legislation.
Among the key recommendations are:
- Removal of the term “Custodian” from the law.
- Removal of provisions related to a central register of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroops.
- Removal of online record-keeping requirements.
- Removal of unique identification numbers for each saroop.
- Mandatory consultation with SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib before introducing future rules or amendments.
The state government is reviewing all recommendations after seeking legal guidance.
Government May Remove ‘Custodian’ Term From Sacrilege Law
One of the major objections raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib relates to the use of the word “Custodian” in the legislation.
Existing Provision:
The law states that any person, institution, or gurdwara committee possessing a saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be responsible for its protection and maintaining Sikh religious traditions.
Objection:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib stated that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the spiritual guide of Sikhs, and no individual or institution can be described as its custodian.
Proposed Change:
The government is considering removing the word “Custodian” and replacing it with a more appropriate legal term, along with a clear explanation to prevent misuse.
Central Register and Unique ID Provisions Likely to Be Removed
Another major issue concerns provisions related to maintaining records of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroops.
Existing Provision:
The law proposed that SGPC maintain a central register containing details about:
- Printing of saroops
- Preservation
- Distribution
- Availability records
The details were to be maintained both physically and electronically and uploaded on the SGPC website. Each saroop was also proposed to receive a unique identification number.
Objection:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib opposed assigning identification numbers to the sacred saroops, stating that such measures could interfere with religious traditions.
Proposed Change:
The government has agreed to remove this provision from the amendment proposal.
Section 3B(1) Provision Also Under Review
Another recommendation relates to Section 3B(1) of the amended law.
Existing Provision:
The section defines duties and responsibilities of individuals who possess:
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroop
- Gurbani sanchis
- Pothis
- Gutka Sahib
Objection:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib argued that this provision could interfere with its religious authority and jurisdiction.
Proposed Change:
The provision is proposed to be removed completely from the amended law.
Changes Proposed in Punishment-Related Provisions
The government is also examining provisions related to offences other than direct sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroop.
Existing Provision:
Under changes linked to the Punjab Act No. 21 of 2008, offences related to violation of prescribed practices could attract:
- Maximum imprisonment of up to five years
- Fine of up to ₹10 lakh
Objection:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib stated that decisions related to religious discipline and Sikh traditions should remain under the authority of Sikh religious institutions.
Proposed Change:
The amendment will clarify the definitions of sacrilege and violation of Sikh traditions. It will also specify that maintaining religious discipline and deciding Sikh maryada remains within the domain of the Panth and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Word Change From ‘Saroop’ and ‘Saroopan’ to Be Reviewed
The government had earlier proposed replacing the words “Bir” and “Biran” with “Saroop” and “Saroopan” in the legislation.
Objection:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib stated that the term “Bir” has been traditionally used in Sikh religious practices and removing it could show insensitivity towards Sikh traditions.
Proposed Change:
The government has agreed to consider retaining the traditionally accepted terminology.
Private School Fee Ordinance Also to Be Presented in Assembly
Apart from amendments to the sacrilege law, the Punjab government will also introduce the private school fee-related ordinance during the Monsoon Session.
The Assembly session is expected to discuss important legislative matters, including the proposed changes connected with religious laws and education-related issues.
Final Decision Awaited After Advocate General’s Report
The Punjab government will take the final decision on the sacrilege law amendments after receiving legal advice from the Advocate General.
The proposed changes aim to address concerns raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib while ensuring that the law remains legally valid.
The matter is expected to become a key discussion point during the upcoming Punjab Assembly Monsoon Session.
