Chandigarh : The Punjab government has informed the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib about the constitution of a seven-member committee to examine and facilitate discussions on amendments proposed under the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Shodh) Act, 2026.
According to the communication sent by the state government, the committee brings together Sikh religious figures, former judges, a retired police officer and a legal expert. The move is aimed at creating a structured mechanism for discussions with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and working towards consensus on the proposed amendments.
The seven-member panel includes former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa and Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera.
The committee also includes retired Justice Jaspal Singh and retired Justice Gurbir Singh. Former Punjab Public Service Commission chairman and retired IPS officer Jatinder Singh Aulakh has also been made a member. Legal officer Preet Inder Pal Singh is the seventh member of the panel.
The Punjab government has further appointed PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu as the nodal officer to coordinate between the two committees.
Under the proposed arrangement, the government-appointed panel will hold meetings with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The discussions are expected to focus on the provisions of the 2026 Act and possible amendments, with the objective of arriving at a mutually acceptable position.
The government’s decision assumes significance because the issue concerns the legal and institutional framework governing the respect, preservation and appropriate handling of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The involvement of Sikh religious representatives alongside legal and administrative experts indicates an attempt to bring both religious and legal perspectives into the consultation process.
The inclusion of former judicial officers is also significant, as the committee will have to examine the legal implications of any proposed changes to the legislation. At the same time, the participation of Sikh religious figures is expected to provide the committee with an understanding of the religious sensitivities surrounding the issue.
The appointment of a dedicated nodal officer is intended to facilitate communication between the government panel and the Sri Akal Takht Sahib committee and ensure that the consultation process moves forward in a coordinated manner.
The next stage will be the meetings between the two committees, where the provisions requiring reconsideration or amendment are expected to be discussed in detail. Any consensus reached through the process could subsequently form the basis for changes in the legislation.
The development comes at a sensitive time for Punjab, where matters relating to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh religious institutions and sacrilege have considerable social and religious significance. The government’s decision to engage directly with the Sri Akal Takht Sahib committee therefore puts consultation and consensus at the centre of the proposed legislative review.
