Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has declared that it will fully comply with any directions issued by the Akal Takht regarding the recently enacted law on sacrilege incidents, while reiterating its unwavering commitment to ensuring strict punishment for those involved in acts of desecration.
SGPC President's Statement
Speaking to the media, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the committee has always supported stringent action against individuals found guilty of sacrilege. However, he expressed serious reservations over certain provisions included in the newly passed Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, asserting that some clauses could adversely affect Sikh religious practices and potentially distance the Sikh community from Gurbani.
Concerns Over Legislation
Dhami emphasized that religion teaches purity, discipline, and humility, and stressed that the matter should not be turned into an issue of prestige by the government. Instead, he urged authorities to address the concerns and apprehensions being raised by the Sikh sangat over the provisions of the legislation. He reiterated, "Whatever directions are issued by Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs established by the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the SGPC will fully abide by them."
NTA Apologizes Over Kakaar Incident
In a related development, Dhami informed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has apologized after objections were raised by the SGPC over incidents in which Sikh students were allegedly asked to remove their Kakaars (religious articles) during examinations. Dhami said the NTA has sent a letter assuring that such incidents will not occur in the future. He stressed that the issue is directly linked to Sikh religious sentiments and emphasized that Sikh students should not face such situations again.
This news comes alongside updates on gold and silver rates in Chandigarh, bank and public holidays in the city, as well as the local AQI and weather conditions.
