Breaking: AAP delegation submits revised sacrilege law draft to Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), July 29, 2026: A high-level delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Punjab MLA Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar, on Wednesday submitted a revised draft containing proposed amendments to Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The delegation presented the revised draft in compliance with directions issued by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who had asked Sikh legislators in Punjab to review and amend provisions of the proposed legislation following objections raised over certain legal and religious aspects.
Exactly a month ago, on June 29, Sikh MLAs from Punjab were summoned to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. During the meeting, the Punjab government was given one month to review and make necessary amendments to the proposed anti-sacrilege law after consultations with legal experts, religious scholars and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The revised draft was submitted before the expiry of the deadline.
Several provisions of the original draft had drawn serious objections from the SGPC and Sikh religious bodies. In particular, concerns were raised over the use of the term “custodian” and certain other provisions, with religious leaders and Sikh scholars arguing that the terminology was not in keeping with the supreme status and maryada of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Taking note of these concerns, Sri Akal Takht Sahib had directed the Punjab government to consult legal experts, religious authorities and the SGPC and revise the legislation to ensure that it was legally robust and prevented those accused of deliberate sacrilege from exploiting legal loopholes.
Speaking after submitting the revised draft, Dr Nijjar said the government’s objective was to safeguard religious sentiments while ensuring justice for all. He clarified that no restrictions had been imposed on the terminology or provisions relating to the sanctity and respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Explaining the proposed amendments, Dr Nijjar said an unintentional mistake or act committed unknowingly would not be treated as an offence of sacrilege. He said safeguards had been incorporated to prevent the misuse of the law.
However, he added that anyone found to have deliberately desecrated a religious scripture or attempted to disturb communal harmony would face the strictest action under the law.
Dr Nijjar further said the revised draft includes provisions aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness during the investigation process. No immediate arrest would be made in a sacrilege-related case, and the matter would first be examined by a senior police officer of at least the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Further legal action would be initiated only after a thorough inquiry to ensure that innocent individuals are not subjected to harassment, he added.
Dr Nijjar said the Punjab government remained fully committed to protecting the sanctity and dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other religious scriptures. He said the revised draft had been prepared after incorporating the directions and suggestions received from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and making the necessary legal, technical and religious amendments.