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The Jathedar instructed legislators not to move forward with the implementation of the law until all objections had been examined and resolved
The Akal Takht, literally meaning the “Throne of the Timeless One”, was established in 1606 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. (Britannica)
In a major development in Punjab’s politically sensitive anti-sacrilege law debate, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib has directed all Sikh MLAs to ensure that objections be raised over the recently passed anti-sacrilege legislation are addressed and the Bill be amended within one month. The directive came during a meeting attended by legislators from across party lines, underlining the continuing influence of the Akal Takht in matters that intersect faith and public policy.
Read More: ‘Throne Of Justice’: Why The Akal Takht’s Word Still Carries Weight Over Punjab’s Politics
According to those present, the Jathedar instructed legislators not to move forward with the implementation of the law until all objections had been examined and resolved. The concerns will be formally shared with the MLAs, who have been asked to work towards incorporating necessary changes within the stipulated timeframe.
The gathering concluded with legislators collectively expressing their consent to follow the directive by raising the traditional Sikh religious slogan, “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.”
The meeting also saw candid admissions from some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, who acknowledged before the Jathedar that they had signed the anti-sacrilege Bill without reading its contents in detail. The disclosure is likely to intensify criticism from the Opposition, which has accused the government of rushing the legislation through the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Congress legislators maintained that they had urged the Punjab government to hold wider consultations before finalising the law. They reiterated their demand that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body managing Sikh gurdwaras, should be consulted on the Bill and argued that more time should have been allotted for legislative discussion.
The latest intervention once again highlights the enduring authority of the Akal Takht – the highest temporal seat of Sikhism – in Punjab’s socio-political landscape. While it has no constitutional role in lawmaking, its moral and religious authority has historically influenced political decision-making, particularly on issues concerning Sikh faith and identity.
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Simran Babbar is a Senior Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering key developments in emerging sectors related to education and investigations. Through her reports, she brings significant updates from t…Read More
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