‘Those challenging Akal Takht Maryada will be held accountable’: Jathedar Gargaj warns Punjab Govt
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), May 8, 2026: Sri Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaaj on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government and forces allegedly “challenging the maryada (religious code) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” warning that those responsible would be “held accountable.”
Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, the Jathedar asserted that the Sikh Panth would never accept any form of government interference in the sovereignty of Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Panth.
He said the maryada of Akal Takht Sahib is supreme and questioned actions such as honouring “patit” (apostate) individuals with siropas or taking steps allegedly against established religious traditions.
“If the maryada of Akal Takht Sahib has been challenged, there will be a proper reckoning,” Jathedar Gargaaj said.
The Jathedar also raised objections over the uploading of records related to the sacred saroops of Guru Granth Sahib on a website, calling it against Sikh religious respect and traditions. He said Akal Takht Sahib has objected to and stopped such actions.
Describing the developments as part of a “deep conspiracy” to distance Sikhs from Sikhism, he urged the Sikh sangat and legal experts to study the proposed legislation carefully and understand how Sikh institutions were allegedly being weakened.
Targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Jathedar also criticised the alleged treatment meted out to the mother of jailed MP Amritpal Singh during her attempt to meet the Chief Minister.
“A mother is the embodiment of compassion. The Chief Minister should have answered why Punjab’s sons were sent so far away to Dibrugarh Jail,” he said, adding that pushing her aside was “highly condemnable.”
He further criticised the government for allegedly attempting to amend religious maryada and frame laws without involving the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Questioning the exclusion of the SGPC from consultations, he remarked sarcastically that the government appeared unaware even of where the SGPC office is located.
Jathedar Gargaaj said the government has been given 15 days to make corrections in the proposed Act, failing which a Panthic gathering would be convened to decide the next course of action. He also appealed to the Sikh community to pray that rulers are blessed with wisdom so they do not become obstacles between the Guru and the Sikhs.