Punjab CM Mann responds to Sri Akal Takht summons of Speaker Sandhwan
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 3, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued a sharp response after Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was summoned to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on May 8 in connection with the ongoing debate over the proposed anti–sacrilege (beadbi) law.
While Speaker Sandhwan has stated that he will appear before the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority as a humble Sikh, CM Mann launched a strong political counterattack, defending the new anti-sacrilege legislation and targeting both the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
CM questions Speaker’s summoning
Chief Minister Mann expressed surprise over the decision to summon the Speaker, arguing that a strict law aimed at preventing sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other religious texts should have been welcomed instead.
He remarked that instead of supporting the government’s initiative, the Speaker had been summoned. He emphasized that the intent of the legislation is to ensure strict punishment for sacrilege offences.
Sharp attack on Akali Dal
Taking aim at the Shiromani Akali Dal, CM Mann said that when the party was in power, it failed to bring in a stringent law that could have ensured punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for sacrilege cases.
He added that if “our Guru (referring to the Guru Granth Sahib in a symbolic sense of reverence)” is not safe within our own system, then there can be little expectation from others.
Allegations against SGPC
CM Mann also accused the SGPC of functioning under political influence, alleging that its leadership acts under party control rather than independently.
He said, “If SGPC leaders openly declare themselves loyal to political leaders instead of serving the Guru, then what can be expected of such institutions?” He further alleged that religious decisions are being influenced and controlled through political channels.
“Law brought as service to Guru Sahib,” says CM Mann
Defending the legislation, CM Mann said the new anti-sacrilege law has been introduced purely as an act of service and responsibility towards Guru Sahib.
He appealed to the public not to turn it into a political slogan, reiterating that strict punishment, including life imprisonment, will now be ensured for anyone found guilty of sacrilege, with no exemptions or leniency.
The issue has further intensified political and religious debate in Punjab, as institutional summons and legislative reforms continue to intersect in the sensitive matter of religious sentiments and governance.