The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority for Sikhs, has drawn attention for its position on Punjab’s new anti-sacrilege law. In an interview, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj outlined the body’s concerns and expectations from the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. The Akal Takht is not seeking to shape the legislation but aims to prevent any unjust measure that could wrongly implicate people under the guise of protecting religion. Past misuse of laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and sedition provisions in Punjab supports fears that sensitive rules on sacrilege could be exploited. Strict clauses are therefore needed to block such misuse. The SGPC did not oppose the law initially and welcomed it in good faith, yet limited details on its text at passage raised issues. Certain provisions appeared open to abuse against Sikhs, prompting objections to specific sections. An existing Akal Takht directive already addresses negligence by priests and gurdwara members through religious penalties like sewa. The new law, however, imposes jail terms even for unintentional lapses, which the Jathedar views as excessively harsh. The focus should shift from only the immediate offender to groups or leaders who incite hatred, as seen in the 2015 Bargari incidents. An amendment was proposed to include sect heads in FIRs when followers are involved. Without this, the law may fail to reach masterminds and remain ineffective.
