Jathedar Kuldeep Gargaj gives Punjab Govt 15-day ultimatum over Guru Granth Sahib record clause
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), May 8, 2026: Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday strongly objected to amendments made by the Punjab government in the proposed “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act” and issued a 15-day ultimatum to Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to convene a special Assembly session and withdraw the “Panth-controversial” provisions of the law.
Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, the Akal Takht Jathedar asserted that the Sikh Panth would not accept “government diktats” in matters related to Sikh religious maryada and traditions.
He said Sikh institutions and scholars alone have the right to frame rules concerning the Guru Panth and Sikh Rehat Maryada, adding that government interference in Sikh religious affairs was completely unacceptable.
Jathedar Gargaaj alleged that instead of targeting those responsible for sacrilege, the proposed law places accountability on the “custodian” — including granthis and management committees. He objected to provisions prescribing up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹10 lakh for alleged violations of maryada, calling it an attempt to distance Sikhs from Guru Sahib.
He further questioned the provision empowering a DSP-rank police officer to investigate complaints regarding non-compliance of Sikh maryada.
“How can the government decide whether Sikh maryada is being followed or not?” he asked.
The Akal Takht Jathedar also strongly opposed the government’s proposal to assign “unique numbers” to sacred saroops of Guru Granth Sahib and upload related records online.
“There is no role of the government in the spiritual bond between the Guru and the Sikh,” he said.
Launching a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his ongoing “Shukrana Yatra,” Jathedar Gargaaj said, “This is not a thanksgiving tour, it is a ‘Hankaar Yatra’ (arrogance march).”
He alleged that despite Sri Akal Takht Sahib making its opposition to the law clear, the Chief Minister was continuing political campaigns and “challenging Akal Takht Sahib.”
“You cannot bow before Akal Takht Sahib on one hand and ignore its directives on the other,” he remarked.
Issuing a final warning, the Akal Takht Jathedar said the Punjab government must convene a special session within 15 days and suitably amend the legislation. He announced that a panel of former judges and Sikh lawyers would be constituted to examine the draft law.
Till consensus of the Sikh Panth is reached, he demanded that the Act be kept in abeyance with immediate effect.
Jathedar Gargaaj also warned that if the government continued with what he termed an “adamant attitude,” the Sikh Panth would be forced to take strong decisions. He appealed to granthis and gurdwara committees to carefully study the provisions of the proposed law and remain vigilant.