Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said that there can be no compromise with dignity and authority of Shri Akal Takht Sahib and while addressing the media after a meeting with Punjab's Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers he said Sikh Panth has always stood against any interference in Sikh religious matters and will continue to do so in the future as well.
Giani Gargaj said that whenever there has been any kind of interference in Sikhism, Sikh Panth has never accepted or tolerated it and while referring to amendment made to Shri Guru Granth Sahib Respect Act which was passed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, 2026 he said the government made a mistake while bringing the law.
He clarified that there is no disagreement over giving strict punishment to those who disrespect or desecrate Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and said anyone found guilty of such acts should face severe punishment however he said that some parts of the amended law interfere with authority of Shri Akal Takht Sahib and the rights of the Sikh Panth and these provisions cannot be accepted.
Giani Gargaj said that these objections were first discussed during a Panthic gathering held at Bhai Gurdas Hall on May 30 and after that meeting Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha was informed about the concerns raised by Sikh Panth, he said a demand was made to remove objectionable provisions within 15 days. Since the concerns were not resolved Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers from Punjab were asked to appear before Shri Akal Takht Sahib to explain their stand.
He said a total of 87 Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers reached Shri Akal Takht Sahib on Monday and according to him discussion was held in a very open, peaceful and sincere atmosphere, he said all sides were given enough time to express their views and explain their position.
During the discussion Giani Gargaj claimed that some MLAs admitted that they had not even read the law before it was passed in the Assembly, said this showed that the bill had been brought in a hurry without proper study or discussion and said such an important law should have been examined carefully before being approved.
Speaking about the objections to the Act Giani Gargaj said that the clauses related to word "custodian" should be removed from the law and he said Sikh Panth has its own religious words and traditions when referring to Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and explained that Sikhs use words such as "Saroop" and "Bir" for Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and according to him it is not acceptable for Vidhan Sabha to decide or define religious vocabulary used by Sikh community.
He also said that issues related to uploading information on a website were discussed during the meeting, Giani Gargaj stated that all points raised by five Singh Sahibs during the discussion were accepted by Sikh MLAs and Cabinet Ministers who attended the meeting.
The Jathedar also issued a warning regarding comments made on social media against Shri Akal Takht Sahib and said Shri Akal Takht Sahib is Takht of Guru and no one should make disrespectful or insulting remarks about it, he also said those who have spoken against dignity of Shri Akal Takht Sahib on social media will have to answer for their words.
Concluding his address, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj strongly repeated that the dignity of Shri Akal Takht Sahib and the interests of the Sikh Panth would not be compromised under any circumstances and said every possible step would be taken to protect the authority and respect of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and he added that if necessary, they were ready to make the biggest sacrifice to defend dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. "There will be no compromise with the dignity of Shri Akal Takht Sahib. If necessary, we will even sacrifice our heads to protect its honour," he said.