Amritsar, May 8: The Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht has become a focal point of religious and political dialogue today as Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan prepares to meet with the Jathedar over the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Act (Amendment) 2026. The interaction is designed to clarify specific clauses of the new law that have sparked debate among Panthic organizations and scholars.
The Acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, initiated the meeting following reports that the Sikh Sangat held reservations about the government’s unilateral approach to the legislation. Although Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann previously declared the act a historic and unanimous achievement, various religious bodies have maintained that legal experts must vet the law for compliance with Sikh traditions.
“The acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht invited Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to clarify these doubts,” a representative stated, noting the importance of the 11 am appointment.
The SGPC has also weighed in on the matter, with President Harjinder Singh Dhami asserting that the government must remain open to reconsidering certain aspects of the legislation. While the committee has declared it will respect the Jathedar’s final decision, representatives reaffirmed that Panthic consultation is a non-negotiable part of enacting laws that impact religious practice.
The afternoon schedule at the Secretariat includes a secondary inquiry involving the Chief Khalsa Diwan. Leadership from the Diwan has been asked to provide testimony regarding the religious qualifications of its members.
This series of meetings underscores the ongoing effort to align state legislative actions with the expectations of the Sikh community. The Speaker’s appearance marks a significant attempt by the Vidhan Sabha to address these concerns through traditional channels of religious authority.
