anti-sacrilege law

Punjab's anti-sacrilege law amendments have caused tension with Akal Takht, as the changes were introduced without seeking the approval of Akal Takht, SGPC, or the broader Sikh community. The Sikh leadership has expressed displeasure over the lack of consultation on the matter.

Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority, has asked the Punjab government to revise an anti-sacrilege law, stating it was passed without consultations and contains clauses contrary to Sikh sentiments. The head of Akal Takht noted that many MLAs admitted they had not read the draft legislation before its passage.

Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers appeared before Akal Takht regarding an anti-sacrilege law. Non-Sikh Cabinet Ministers were required to submit written views, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not summoned.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj summoned all Sikh MLAs and Sikh ministers to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. The summons was issued on June 15.

Akal Takht chief criticized the AAP government in Punjab over an anti-sacrilege law. Activists from Dal Khalsa and hardliners aligned with Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann raised pro-Khalistan slogans during a Sikh congregation.