Row Grows Over Guru Granth Sahib Respect Bill

April 12, 2026

The controversy regarding the Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Samman Bill 2026 is increasing in Punjab. Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, reacting to this bill, described Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s statement as misleading.

According to Dhami, there is a lack of clarity regarding the bill being presented by the government. He said that on one hand, the minister is calling it an entirely new bill, while on the other hand, its name is similar to the already existing 2008 Act. In such a situation, it is becoming difficult to understand whether the government is amending the old law or making a new law concerning cases of sacrilege.

Allegation of lack of information on the minister

Dhami also alleged that Minister Cheema himself does not have complete knowledge of this bill. Dhami said that contradictions are clearly visible in his statements, which is creating a situation of confusion among the Sikh community.

Accusation of SGPC being ignored by the government

In addition, Dhami also accused the government of ignoring the Shiromani Committee. He stated that the high-level committee formed by the committee had tried to contact the government and it select committee several times but received no positive response.

Dhami emphasized that the matter of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is linked to the faith and sentiments of Sikhs, and therefore the government should take it seriously. He alleged that the government is only playing politics on this issue and not sharing accurate information. Finally, he demanded that the government make the full draft of this bill public so that clarity can be achieved among all parties and any kind of confusion can be avoided.