Day on, gathering at Kesgarh Sahib to oppose anti-sacrilege law

Ropar: A day after the Akal Takht-led congregation at Takht Damdama Sahib over the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, Sikh groups on Monday gathered at Takht Kesgarh Sahib to oppose provisions of the law, alleging that they were contrary to Sikh religious principles and traditions.The congregation, convened on the directions of the Akal Takht, saw speakers unanimously argue that instead of focusing on strict punishment for sacrilege, the law appeared to place religious institutions, gurdwara committees and Sikh functionaries under legal scrutiny.Addressing the gathering, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami described the legislation as a "serious challenge" for the Sikh community. He alleged the govt was trying to bring the spiritual authority of Guru Granth Sahib under legal interpretation.Dhami said the Sikh community supported strict punishment for sacrilege, but could not accept provisions that interfered in its internal religious affairs or hurt sentiments. He also questioned certain public statements made by the state govt on the law, claiming they did not match the actual legal text.Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj alleged that the legislation sought to dilute the distinct identity and religious autonomy of the Sikh community. He said no govt had the authority to legislate on the internal spiritual affairs of a religion without consent of its followers.Giani Tek Singh criticised the govt for presenting the draft legislation in English, alleging that it created co