Punjab’s Sikh MLAs summoned before Akal Takht over anti‑sacrilege law, one‑month deadline set

Punjab’s legislative assembly has sent 78 members who identify as Sikh to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh religious authority, for a hearing concerning the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026. The summons carries a one‑month deadline for the legislators to present their responses. The law, enacted in 2026, aims to safeguard the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture at the heart of Sikh worship. By bringing the matter before the Akal Takht, the assembly signals the seriousness with which it views alleged breaches of the statute. The Akal Takht, while primarily a spiritual institution, has historically intervened in temporal affairs when religious sentiments are at stake. Its involvement in this case underscores the intertwined nature of faith and governance in Punjab. The one‑month timeframe set for the MLAs reflects an urgency to address the concerns raised by the legislation. The act aims to safeguard the Guru Granth Sahib, and the summoned representatives are expected to clarify their positions on compliance. This process may influence how future religious sensitivities are handled within the state’s political framework. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of the hearing will be closely watched by both religious leaders and elected officials across the region.

Source: Hindustan Times