Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has constituted a seven-member coordination committee in connection with the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026, following directives issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The committee has been formed to maintain continuous coordination with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The move comes after the state government notified amendments aimed at strengthening the legal framework for protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and dealing with acts of sacrilege.
Seven-Member Committee Constituted
The newly formed coordination panel includes members with backgrounds in religious affairs, law, administration and public service. According to the Punjab Government, the members are:
- Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh
- Head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa
- Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera
- Retired Justice Jaspal Singh
- Retired Justice Gurbir Singh
- Retired 1997 Batch IPS officer and PPSC Chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh
- Law Officer Preet Inder Paul Singh
The panel will coordinate continuously with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The arrangement is intended to facilitate communication and coordination between the state government and the religious institution on matters concerning the amended legislation.
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Amendment Act Notified in April
The latest development follows the Punjab Government’s notification of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, on April 20.
The amendment was notified after Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave his assent to the amendment Bill on April 17. The legislation provides a legal framework for the protection and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and sets out penalties for acts of sacrilege or dishonouring the scripture.
The amended law provides for stringent punishment in cases covered by its provisions. It prescribes imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, along with fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, for those involved in or supporting acts of sacrilege.
Government and Akal Takht Coordination
The formation of the new panel establishes a formal mechanism for coordination at a time when the implementation and interpretation of the amended law remain significant issues for the state.
The Punjab Government said its committee would maintain continuous coordination with the committee formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. This places the newly constituted panel in a coordinating role rather than creating a separate legal framework.
The composition of the committee brings together representatives from religious institutions as well as individuals with experience in the judiciary, policing, public administration and law.
What the Amendment Provides
The amendment legislation focuses on protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and addressing acts considered sacrilegious under the law.
Its key provisions include:
- A framework for protection and preservation of the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
- Strict punishment for acts of sacrilege covered under the amended legislation.
- Imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment in specified cases.
- Financial penalties ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
The provisions mark a significant strengthening of the punishment framework compared with earlier legal provisions dealing with such offences.
Finance Minister’s Statement
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema had earlier said that the enactment reflected the Bhagwant Mann government’s commitment to upholding the honour and dignity of Guru Sahib.
Following the notification of the law in April, Cheema said those involved in acts of sacrilege or dishonouring Guru Sahib would face strict consequences under the amended framework.
The latest committee formation now adds an institutional coordination mechanism involving the state government and the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Broader Significance
The constitution of the seven-member panel comes as Punjab moves ahead with the framework established through the 2026 amendment. By bringing together religious representatives, retired judges, a senior police officer and a law officer, the government has created a committee with expertise across several relevant areas.
The coordination mechanism is expected to support continued engagement between the Punjab Government and Sri Akal Takht Sahib on matters connected with the amended legislation. The development also underlines the state’s effort to establish coordination between governmental processes and institutions concerned with the protection and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
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