Chandigarh, Sept 28: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reiterated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme for all and declared that the state government will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the sanctity and dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji through a robust legal framework.
During a detailed review meeting held at his residence with the state-constituted seven-member committee, the Chief Minister affirmed that life imprisonment and heavy fines for perpetrators of sacrilege constitute the core foundation of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. He maintained that these provisions create a strong deterrent against such heinous acts and will not be compromised or diluted under any circumstances.
The Chief Minister directed the committee to hold regular, comprehensive discussions with the panel constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib to review proposed amendments and examine concerns in their entirety. He pointed out that the government chose to amend existing legislation to facilitate smooth statutory processes while addressing all constitutional and legal aspects. PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as nodal officer to coordinate future joint deliberations.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that the enactment has provided solace to the deeply hurt sentiments of the Sikh Sangat, perturbed over past incidents of sacrilege. He stated that the government approaches the consultation process with utmost reverence and sensitivity to ensure the law effectively fulfills its intended purpose.
The high-level committee meeting was attended by prominent religious figures and legal experts, including former Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Baba Sahib Singh, Sant Baba Sewa Singh, Justice (Retd.) Jaspal Singh, Justice (Retd.) Gurbir Singh, IPS (Retd.) Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and Law Officer Preet Inder Pal Singh, while Head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa joined online.
