Akal Takht’s sanctity non-negotiable, ‘will lay down our lives if needed’: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Monday asserted that the sanctity and authority of Akal Takht Sahib were non-negotiable, declaring that the Sikh leadership was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect its religious institutions and traditions.

Addressing the media after the appearance of Sikh MLAs and Punjab Cabinet ministers before Sri Akal Takht Sahib over the Punjab government’s amended sacrilege law, Gargaj said the Sikh Panth had never accepted interference in its religious affairs and would continue to defend its institutions with the same resolve.

Advertisement

“We are prepared to lay down our lives if required, but there can be no compromise on the maryada of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” Gargaj said, adding that while the Panth fully supports stringent punishment for anyone found guilty of committing sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib, certain provisions of the amended legislation infringe upon the religious authority of Akal Takht Sahib.

He said objections to the legislation were raised immediately after the Punjab Assembly passed amendments to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act on April 13, 2026. According to Gargaj, a Panthic gathering held at Bhai Gurdas Hall on May 30 had formally conveyed these concerns to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly and sought corrective measures within 15 days.

As no action followed, Sikh legislators and Cabinet ministers were summoned to Sri Akal Takht Sahib to explain their stand on the legislation. Gargaj said 87 legislators and ministers appeared before the Takht, where discussions were held cordially and transparently.

The Jathedar claimed that during the interaction, some legislators admitted they had supported the Bill without reading its contents in detail. He said such admissions indicated that the legislation had been passed in haste despite its far-reaching implications for Sikh religious affairs.

Gargaj reiterated that the Panth had no objection to imposing severe punishment on those responsible for acts of sacrilege. However, he maintained that matters relating to Sikh traditions, religious terminology and the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib cannot be decided through legislation. He specifically objected to provisions relating to the term “custodian” and said Sikh religious expressions such as “Saroop” and “Bir” should remain within the jurisdiction of the Panth rather than the legislature.

He also said issues concerning provisions for uploading information on official websites and other aspects of the amended law were discussed during the proceedings. According to him, the observations made by the five Sikh high priests were accepted by the legislators and ministers present during the meeting.

Without naming anyone, Gargaj also cautioned those making objectionable remarks against Sri Akal Takht Sahib on social media. He said the institution represents the supreme temporal authority of the Sikh community and warned that those attempting to undermine its dignity would be held accountable for their statements.

Reaffirming the Panth’s position, Gargaj said the Sikh community would continue to safeguard the authority, dignity and traditions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib under all circumstances. “The maryada of Akal Takht Sahib is supreme. We are ready to make any sacrifice, including laying down our lives, but we will never allow its sanctity or authority to be compromised,” he said.