SGPC installs boards to highlight panthic objections to sacrilege law

Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has installed informative flex boards outside several gurdwaras to apprise the sangat of alleged shortcomings and panthic objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 passed by the Punjab govt. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SGPC said the boards have been put up on the directions of the Akal Takht.According to the SGPC, the boards outline concerns over provisions in the Act, particularly the use of the term "custodian", which, it claims, holds granthis, akhandpathi singhs, gurdwara committees and devotees conducting Sri Akhand Path Sahib accountable in cases of sacrilege or violation of maryada. The SGPC said this brings them under the ambit of punishment and fines, potentially creating fear among the sangat.The release further stated that treating maryada violations as legal offences could pave the way for direct police interference in gurdwaras. It also flagged concerns over changes in panthic terminology and the absence of clear definitions aligned with Sikh traditions and sentiments.SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan said the issue is deeply connected with the sentiments of the Sikh community. "Sikh scholars and intellectuals have raised serious objections to the Act. It is important that the sangat is made aware of these concerns, which is why these boards have been installed," he said.He added that matters related to beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are extremely sensitive and any legislation on the subject must be in line with panthic sentiments, Gurmat principles and the guidance of the Akal Takht.