Punjab MLAs Face Akal Takht Over Unread Anti-Sacrilege Bill Passage

Several legislators from across party lines in the Punjab Assembly admitted before the Akal Takht on Monday that they had voted in favour of the anti-sacrilege legislation without fully reading its contents, claiming copies of the Bill were circulated only shortly before it was taken up for passage. The admission came during proceedings convened by the Akal Takht to examine objections raised over the recently enacted Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh ministers and MLAs to explain the circumstances under which the legislation was passed. The religious body has maintained that the law was enacted by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government without adequate consultation with the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or other Sikh stakeholders. Religious leaders have argued that legislation concerning matters of faith should involve broader consultation before being approved.

According to the legislators, copies of the Bill were distributed only at the last moment, leaving them with little or no opportunity to examine its provisions before the Assembly voted on it. Their statements have reignited concerns over legislative procedures and whether elected representatives are given sufficient time to scrutinise important Bills before casting their votes. The admissions have also intensified political debate over the handling of sensitive legislation.

Also Read: Akal Takht Demands One-Month Delay For Anti-Sacrilege Bill Consultations

The disclosures have drawn criticism from constitutional experts and governance observers, who questioned the practice of approving legislation without thorough examination. Critics described such admissions as irresponsible and inconsistent with the responsibilities entrusted to elected lawmakers, arguing that legislators are expected to understand the legal and policy implications of Bills before supporting or opposing them in the Assembly.

The controversy centres on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which relates to the protection and respect of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Akal Takht has objected to certain provisions of the legislation and has maintained that the absence of consultation with key Sikh religious institutions has raised concerns within the community regarding the law's formulation and implementation.

The issue has sparked a wider discussion on legislative accountability and the process of lawmaking in Punjab. While political parties may differ on the substance of the anti-sacrilege law, the legislators' admission has shifted attention to procedural standards in the Assembly. The developments are expected to fuel further political and public debate as religious authorities, lawmakers and the state government continue discussions over the implementation and future of the legislation.

Also Read: Punjab Sikh MLAs Summoned By Akal Takht Over Anti-Sacrilege Law Review