Akal Takht summons Punjab Speaker: Jathedar slams ‘interference’ in Sikh customs

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Friday appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar to provide a formal clarification regarding the controversial ‘Jagar Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act’. The Speaker’s appearance follows a summons by Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, amid growing concerns from the Sikh clergy that the state government bypassed traditional consultations with Panthic institutions before drafting the legislation.

Arriving at the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs barefoot as a humble devotee, Sandhwan held an extensive meeting with the Jathedar. Addressing the media later, the Speaker emphasised that the Akal Takht is the supreme authority for the Sikh community. He stated that while he had presented the government’s perspective with full reverence, the specific details of the dialogue would remain confidential and would eventually be shared by the Jathedar’s office.

Advertisement

Sandhwan defended the government’s intent, asserting that public suggestions were invited through newspaper advertisements and dedicated contact numbers before the amendment. He assured the clergy that all future actions would strictly align with the sentiments of the Guru Panth and the welfare of society. He further noted that historical precedents, including those from the British era, involved consultations with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), implying that the current administration also values such dialogue.

However, the legislative move has met with stiff resistance from the Akal Takht leadership. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhaj expressed serious objections to specific clauses of the Act, labelling them as direct interference in ‘Sikh Rehat Maryada’ (the Sikh code of conduct). The Jathedar criticised the government for defining “custodians” and imposing penalties of up to five years in prison and a Rs. 10 lakh fine, arguing that such measures could unfairly criminalise Granthis and management committees for the actions of miscreants.

The Akal Takht has particularly opposed the government’s proposal to assign unique identification numbers to the Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and maintain a digital record on a website. Describing the government’s attempt to alter traditional terminology as an interference in Panthic history, the Jathedar has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Punjab government to amend the controversial clauses. He warned that a meeting of the five High Priests would be convened to take “stringent action” if the state fails to address these religious concerns within the stipulated timeframe.