Governor Says Punjab Govt Informed of Objections of Jathedar Akal Takhat Sahib to Sacrilege Law; Seeks Dialogue to Resolve Concerns
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, May 30, 2026: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has said that he has formally apprised the Punjab Government of the objections raised by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, regarding the recently enacted anti-sacrilege legislation.
Speaking to News18, the Governor said that apart from conveying the concerns of the Sikh religious leadership to the state government, he also intends to invite Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for discussions on the issue and make efforts to facilitate a dialogue between the concerned parties to resolve the controversy amicably.
Kataria emphasized that incidents of sacrilege should not occur in any religion and said that maintaining communal harmony and respect for all faiths remains paramount.
Responding to another query, the Governor said that the Punjab Government has contributed Rs 10 crore towards efforts to curb the growing menace of drugs being smuggled into the state through drones from across the international border. He noted that while drones were earlier used to drop narcotics only a few kilometres inside Indian territory, traffickers are now using advanced technology to transport contraband to locations much farther inland.
Meeting with Akal Takht Jathedar and SGPC President
It may be recalled that last week, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami met Governor Kataria in Ludhiana. During the meeting, they highlighted several provisions of the Anti-Sacrilege Act to which the Sikh community has expressed strong objections, contending that certain clauses are inconsistent with Sikh religious principles and maryada (code of conduct).
The Governor had then assured the delegation that he would take up these concerns with the Punjab Government.
Questions Raised Over Governor's Assent
The Anti-Sacrilege Bill has remained a subject of debate ever since it received gubernatorial assent. A section of the Sikh leadership, SGPC functionaries, political leaders and media commentators had expressed surprise at what they described as the Governor's unusually swift approval of the legislation passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Critics have questioned how the Bill received assent with such speed despite the existence of serious reservations subsequently articulated by the Sikh religious leadership. They argue that the concerns now being raised by the Akal Takht regarding specific provisions of the law warrant a wider review and consultation process.
With Governor Kataria now confirming that he has conveyed these objections to the state government and expressing willingness to facilitate dialogue, attention will be focused on the Punjab Government's response and whether any amendments or clarifications are considered in the coming days.
Earlier responding to the suggestions of Jathedar Akal Takhat to amend some sections of the act, CM Punjab Bhagwant has categorically refused to move for amendments in the act.