The highest temporal authority in Sikhism- Shri Akal Takht Sahib has directed Sikh lawmakers in Punjab to withhold consent for any further amendments to anti-sacrilege legislation during the upcoming state assembly session starting Aug. 3.

Acting on instructions from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, secretariat in-charge Bagicha Singh issued formal letters to Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, along with Sikh cabinet ministers and MLAs. The letters remind lawmakers of their religious obligation to resist further changes to the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026 unless full consensus is reached with the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

The order follows the Jathedar’s rejection of a July 29 response sent by the Punjab government’s Home Department addressing earlier objections raised by the Sikh authority. Jathedar Gargajj dismissed the state’s response as unsatisfactory.

In the letter addressed to Speaker Sandhwan, the Akal Takht Sahib clarified that its concerns are non-political and focus on the potential future misuse of the statute against Sikhs, citing historical precedents set by laws such as TADA and UAPA. Lawmakers were urged to look past party politics and uphold Sikh sentiments.

Despite the firm directive, the Akal Takht expressed a commitment to open dialogue. It announced the formation of a six-member panel of Sikh legal experts and scholars—including retired judges and senior advocate advisers—to negotiate with the state government and reach a mutual agreement within two months.