The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhism, has deemed the Punjab government’s response to objections concerning proposed amendments to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act as unsatisfactory. Officiating Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that the government’s reply failed to uphold the commitment made by Sikh legislators before the Akal Takht on June 29.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the officiating Jathedar conveyed that the government’s response to suggestions submitted by the Akal Takht indicated a lack of preparedness to amend the law in accordance with the sentiments expressed by the apex Sikh body. He further noted that the response did not reflect the consensus reached during a meeting on June 29, when Sikh Members of the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet ministers had appeared before the Akal Takht and assured that the proposed amendments would be incorporated into the legislation.
According to Gargaj, the government’s response only addressed approximately 10 percent of the objections and recommendations put forth by the Akal Takht. He explicitly stated that the government’s response was not satisfactory and could not be accepted. Gargaj also pointed out a failure in establishing timely coordination with the Akal Takht prior to the submission of the government’s reply.
The Punjab Home Affairs Department had submitted a 24-page response to the Akal Takht Secretariat on Wednesday. This response was delivered through MLA Inderbeer Singh Nijar and the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, and it addressed 12 objections and observations that the Akal Takht had raised concerning the Act.
A key point of contention within the government’s response was its refusal to remove the term “custodian” from the law. The government justified its inclusion through a detailed note, referencing the Act’s provisions.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s reply, the officiating Jathedar stated that the Akal Takht remains open to further dialogue should the government wish to continue discussions on the legislation. In light of this, Gargaj announced the formation of a committee tasked with engaging in discussions with the government on the matter.
The newly formed committee comprises several prominent figures. Its members include retired Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi, retired Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, senior advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholar Dr. Kehar Singh Patiala, Professor Jagmohan Singh from Ludhiana, and SGPC Secretary Lakhvir Singh, who will serve as the coordinator for the committee.
Bajwa Seeks Guidance on Assembly Conduct
In a separate development, in response to a query regarding a request for guidance from Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Gargaj offered directives for Sikh MLAs attending the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Gargaj advised that Sikh MLAs should limit their interaction to the Speaker and participate solely in the proceedings of the House. He further elaborated that they should neither confront, look at, nor respond to anything said by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Partap Singh Bajwa had previously sought clarification from the Akal Takht on this specific issue in writing.
The Chenab Times News Desk