Tension Continues Between Akal Takht and Punjab Government Over Controversial Provisions

The deadline given by the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, to the Punjab Government regarding amendments to the controversial provisions of the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Amendment Act is nearing its end. However, no formal response has yet been received from the government regarding changes to the objectionable clauses. According to available information, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has sent a reply to the Akal Takht Secretariat. In his response, he stated that the letter sent by the Akal Takht, highlighting the objectionable provisions, had been forwarded to the government for further action. It may be recalled that on May 8, the Speaker was summoned to the Akal Takht, where he was informed about the controversial provisions in the amendment act. Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj had asked the Speaker to ensure the removal or amendment of the disputed clauses and had given the Punjab Government a 15-day ultimatum in this regard. According to that timeline, the deadline is set to expire soon. The Akal Takht had earlier demanded that the Punjab Government convene a special session of the Assembly within 15 days to either remove or amend the disputed provisions. It had also warned that if the matter was ignored, a gathering of the five Sikh high priests would be convened and strict action could be taken. On May 11, the Akal Takht Secretariat sent a detailed letter to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly regarding the controversial clauses and other objections. As per the letter, the 15-day deadline will conclude on May 26. Despite this, the government has not yet clarified whether it intends to accept or reject the directives issued by the Akal Takht. Meanwhile, under the directions of the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has already held meetings of Panthic organisations at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and Amritsar to discuss the issue. Sikh organisations participating in these meetings expressed deep concern over the disputed provisions. In continuation of these discussions, the Shiromani Committee has now called a major gathering of Panthic organisations at Baba Bakala on May 31. Recently, the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht and the president of the Shiromani Committee also met the Punjab Governor regarding the issue. During the meeting, the Governor was informed about the controversial clauses, and he reportedly assured them that the matter would be raised with the government. Sources indicate that if the Punjab Government does not issue any response, the Akal Takht may wait for the outcome of the May 31 Panthic gathering before deciding on further action against the government. So far, no date has been announced for a meeting of the five Sikh high priests. The issue continues to create a situation of confrontation between the Punjab Government and the Akal Takht.