Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The first meeting of the seven-member Coordination Committee constituted in connection with the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 was held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh, on Tuesday, with detailed deliberations on all the observations, objections and suggestions conveyed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding the Act.
All members of the Committee were present at the meeting, which was also attended by distinguished special invitees, including senior advocates, a senior police officer, eminent professionals and legal luminaries. Before commencing the proceedings, all members recited the Mool Mantar / Gurmantra and offered an Ardas at the feet of Sri Akal Purakh Waheguru Ji, praying for the right direction, strength and wisdom to arrive at the best and universally acceptable solution while keeping in view the dignity and respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The Committee held detailed deliberations on all the observations, objections and suggestions conveyed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Each issue was considered comprehensively and in the spirit of respecting the sentiments and concerns expressed by the highest temporal institution/seat of the Sikh Panth.
The Committee unanimously acknowledged that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is a sacred institution/seat, and that it is the collective duty of every Sikh to uphold its dignity and respect its directions and guidance. The Committee further resolved that the suggestions and amendments put forward by Sri Akal Takht Sahib would be duly considered and suitably incorporated wherever required.
At the same time, the Committee unanimously agreed that the pith and substance, fundamental objective and spirit of the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 shall remain intact. Any necessary changes in words or expressions as suggested by Sri Akal Takht Sahib may be incorporated without compromising the core purpose of the legislation.
The Committee reiterated that the principal objective of the legislation is to establish strong and effective deterrence against acts of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to ensure stringent punishment for those responsible for such reprehensible acts. The essential provisions relating to stringent punishment shall not be diluted or weakened.
With a view to building consensus and addressing the apprehensions expressed by different sections of society and the Sikh community, the Committee unanimously decided to hold discussions with the Committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The meeting with the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Committee is proposed to be held on October 12 or 13, with a view to arriving at an early and broad-based consensus on the proposed amendments.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Giani Raghbir Singh said the meeting was held in a very positive and constructive atmosphere and the deliberations appeared to be moving in the right direction. “The committee has discussed the objections raised regarding the amendment and, with the grace of Guru Sahib, a solution to the issue would be reached very soon,” he added.
Giani Raghbir Singh said, “All details of the deliberations can not be shared before the committee reaches a conclusion. Discussions were held on all the objections, including the use of specific terms such as custodian. The views of all concerned will be considered and consensus would gradually emerge.”
He stressed that no individual could take a decision on these matters on their own, as they are directly connected with the honour and reverence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “The committee constituted by the Punjab Government and the coordination committee formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib will work together to arrive at a meaningful solution,” he added.
On the next meeting, Giani Raghbir Singh said its date and venue would be announced shortly and indicated that the next meeting could take place within a week. “Discussions with the SGPC will also be held, while the two committees would continue coordination before arriving at a final decision,” he added.
Emphasising the supreme position of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh said, “There is no one greater than Sri Akal Takht Sahib for us. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme institution, and every Sikh bows before it.” He said the objections raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib would be considered collectively and the matter would be resolved soon.
Asked about legal issues discussed during the meeting, he said all aspects of the matter were discussed and the committee would gradually work through them.
The Coordination Committee expressed hope that, with the blessings of Waheguru Ji, the ongoing deliberations would help resolve the present apprehensions and facilitate a harmonious and widely acceptable way forward.
7-Member Committee Comprises Sikh Religious Leaders, Retired Judges, Police Officer And Law Officer
The high-level seven-member committee constituted by the Punjab government comprises former Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Kheda, Justice (Retd.) Jaspal Singh, Justice (Retd.) Gurbir Singh, Jatinder Singh Aulakh, IPS (Retd.), and Law Officer Preet Inder Paul Singh.
