Jalandhar: Objections to Punjab’s new anti-sacrilege law continued to grow on Tuesday, with religious leaders and groups raising concerns over state overreach, lack of consultation and its legal framework.Former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Paramjit Singh Sarna criticised provisions mandating a central digital register of every ‘saroop’ (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, calling it an “intrusion into a sacred relationship”. He said requiring the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to maintain records of the location, custody and movement of each saroop raised serious concerns. “Legal force cannot substitute trust, especially where faith is concerned,” he said, adding that wider consultation within the Sikh community appeared to have been bypassed.The Punjab govt notified The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, in its gazette on Monday, three days after it received the assent of governor Gulab Chand Kataria on April 17.Punjab-based groups Guru-Adab Morcha Sirhind and Lok-Raj Punjab also termed the law “partial” and a “contemptuous circumvention” of the Supreme Court’s recognition of the Guru Granth Sahib as a juristic person. Manjit Singh Randhawa, who heads the groups, questioned the govt’s intent, alleging failure to deliver justice in past sacrilege cases, including Bargari. He argued the law shifted responsibility onto devotees and gurdwara committees without clearly defining their rights, while opening the door to state interference in religious matters.While no fresh response was issued by the ruling AAP in Punjab on Tuesday, the govt has previously defended the law. Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema has said the legislation reflects the govt’s “firm commitment” to uphold the dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib, warning that those involved in sacrilege will face the “strictest consequences”.
