The Punjab Government has formally informed Sri Akal Takht Sahib about the constitution of a seven-member committee to hold consultations on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The information was conveyed through a letter handed over by the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar to the official in-charge of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat. The letter provides details of the committee and its role in the consultation process.
The Punjab Government had constituted the seven-member coordination committee through an order issued by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice on September 16. Its stated purpose is to coordinate with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, discuss matters related to the amended law and submit suggestions and reports to the state government.
The seven members are former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, retired Justice Jaspal Singh, retired Justice Gurbir Singh, former IPS officer and former Punjab Public Service Commission chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and Law Officer Preet Inder Pal Singh.
PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordination between the two committees. The government has asked the panel to maintain communication with the Akal Takht-appointed committee and work towards consultations on the provisions of the Act.
The development comes after objections were raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib over certain provisions of the amended legislation. These include issues related to terminology concerning the Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the definition and role of a “custodian”, and provisions for maintaining a centralised record of Saroops.
The Punjab Assembly had unanimously passed the amendment Bill on April 13, 2026. It received the Punjab Governor’s assent on April 17 and was notified as an Act on April 20. The legislation amended the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, including replacing the terms “Bir” and “Birs” with “Saroop” and “Saroops” in the law.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib had earlier directed the state government to address objections concerning the amended law. After the government submitted its response, a five-member committee was constituted by Akal Takht to engage with the state government on the matter.
The seven-member government panel has since met Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to discuss the Act. The next stage involves consultations between the two committees, with the government panel expected to examine the concerns and suggestions before submitting its recommendations to the state government.
The stated objective of the amended law is to strengthen legal provisions concerning the protection and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and provide penalties for acts of sacrilege.
