Akal Takht Demands Compliance Report from Punjab Government on Blasphemy Law

Akal Takht has insisted that the Punjab government provide a compliance report addressing objections to the proposed blasphemy law before any further discussions. The committee formed to address these issues highlighted the government's inadequate response to fundamental concerns raised by the Sikh religious authority. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gurgaj criticized the government's approach as evasive and unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for a dedicated committee to facilitate dialogue on this sensitive matter. The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities surrounding Sikh religious affairs and the importance of addressing community concerns.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 10:20 IST

Akal Takht's Call for Action on Blasphemy Law

Amritsar, August 8: A specialized committee appointed by Akal Takht has urged the Punjab government to submit a compliance report addressing the objections raised by the highest religious authority of Sikhs before any further discussions on the proposed blasphemy law. The committee, formed to discuss issues related to the 'Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026', held its inaugural meeting on Thursday. It noted that the government's response dated July 29 failed to address the fundamental objections raised by Akal Takht, particularly concerning provisions that interfere with Sikh religious matters.

On June 29, Akal Takht's Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gurgaj, instructed the state government to take action on their objections related to the blasphemy law within a month. In a statement released on Friday, the Akal Takht Secretariat remarked, 'The response received from the Punjab government just a day before the one-month deadline clearly attempts to conceal facts and evade the issue. Concerns of the 'Khalsa Panth' were explicitly communicated to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly and members of the Punjab Cabinet on July 31, 2026.'

It further stated, 'The government's approach to finding a resolution for this serious and sensitive issue of blasphemy has not been positive so far.' Despite ample time given by Akal Takht, the Punjab government has yet to form its committee to discuss this matter. About a week ago, Jathedar Gurgaj dismissed the Punjab government's response regarding the blasphemy law as 'unsatisfactory' and announced the formation of a five-member expert committee to engage in dialogue with the Aam Aadmi Party government on this issue.'