New Delhi, May 19 2026 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau):
Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately honour the concerns raised by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria regarding the controversial sacrilege law and initiate steps to repeal or substantially amend the legislation in consultation with Sikh institutions.
In a strongly worded statement, Sarna said the Governor’s observations had vindicated the stand consistently taken by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and several Panthic organisations that the law contained provisions interfering in Sikh maryada and religious affairs.
“The Governor himself has acknowledged the serious objections raised by the Sikh leadership and has clearly indicated that amendments are necessary. Bhagwant Mann must now abandon his confrontational posture and honour both the sentiments of the Sikh community and the constitutional concerns being raised,” Sarna said.
He stated that the Punjab government could no longer pretend that opposition to the law was confined to a few Sikh organisations. “When the constitutional head of the state publicly points towards the gravity of the objections and asks the government to address them, continued stubbornness becomes indefensible,” he added.
Sarna reiterated that neither the Akal Takht Sahib nor the SGPC had been taken into confidence before the legislation was enacted. “This entire exercise was carried out in haste and without respect for established Sikh institutions. The result is a law that has created distrust and unrest instead of consensus,” he said.
Warning the state government against persisting with the legislation in its present form, Sarna said the Centre could not remain a silent spectator if constitutional and religious sensitivities continued to be ignored.
“If Bhagwant Mann fails to honour the objections raised by the Akal Takht Sahib and now reinforced by the Governor, then the Central Government must step in to ensure this legislation is repealed. No state government can be permitted to use legislative power to interfere in Sikh religious affairs,” he declared.
Sarna further accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of damaging Punjab’s social and institutional fabric through confrontation with Sikh bodies. “A government that refuses to listen either to the Akal Takht Sahib or to the Governor is isolating itself from every constitutional and moral centre of authority,” he said.
Calling for immediate dialogue, Sarna urged the Punjab government to suspend implementation of the law and begin consultations with Sikh religious representatives, legal experts and community institutions.
