Punjab Government’s wording in sacrilege-related Act directly insults Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Giani Amarjit Singh

Act is a political conspiracy challenging Guru Granth and Guru Panth: Advocate Dhami

Gathering of preachers, Granthi Singhs, management committees, and Akhand Path societies held under leadership of SGPC President
 

Amritsar, May 7 , Kanwar Partap Singh - Head Granthi Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, Giani Amarjit Singh, said that the wording used in the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026” enacted by the Punjab Government directly amounts to disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
 He made these remarks while addressing a special gathering of preachers, Granthi Singhs from various gurdwaras, management committees, and Akhand Path societies held at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in the SGPC office under the leadership of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami.

 Alerting the Sikh community about what he termed a mischievous move by the government, Giani Amarjit Singh said that the use of the word “store” in the Act for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is against Panthic sentiments. He said that according to Sikh traditions and maryada, terms such as “Sukhasan” and “Sachkhand Asthan” are used for respectfully placing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He added that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal living Guru of the world and terminology implying that it can be “stored” is completely unacceptable.
 He further stated that the Act could discourage youth from fulfilling religious responsibilities, which is not in the interest of the Sikh community. He also urged sections of the Sikh community not to become emotional and not to support every aspect of the Act without careful consideration.
 Addressing the gathering, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the law passed by the Punjab Government represents direct interference in Sikh institutions and has also created major concerns among Sikh Sangat. He said the government’s intent is evident from the fact that even in a Punjabi-speaking state, an official Punjabi translation of the Act is not available.
 After hearing the views of various speakers, the SGPC President said that the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026” is a political conspiracy that, instead of punishing those guilty of sacrilege, challenges Guru Granth and Guru Panth itself.
 He stated that the Khalsa Panth fully supports strict punishment for those involved in sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and does not oppose any law that ensures severe punishment for offenders. However, he said it is completely unacceptable for the government to use such legislation as a means to pave the way for interference in Sikh institutions, gurdwara committees, and Panthic affairs.
 Advocate Dhami said the gathering has appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to seriously deliberate on the matter and issue directives. He added that whatever decision is taken by Sri Akal Takht Sahib would be accepted by the entire Khalsa Panth.

 He further said that many terms used in the Act are against Sikh sentiments and urged the government to reconsider the legislation in light of Sikh concerns. Necessary amendments, he said, should be made after consultations with Sikh institutions under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
 Among those who addressed the gathering were SGPC member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, head granthi of Gurdwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib Giani Nishan Singh, preacher Sukhwinder Singh Rathore, manager Gurdeep Singh Kang, and representative of Granthi Sabhas Jasmer Singh Chhajla. The stage proceedings were conducted by head preacher Sarabjit Singh Dhotian.
 Several SGPC members, officials, granthis, preachers, dhadis, kavishars, and managers of different gurdwaras were also present on the occasion.