Why does Akal Takht want amendment in sacrilege law, gave one month’s time, what mistake did AAP MLAs admit?

A new controversy has come to light regarding Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law. Sri Akal Takht Sahib has directed all Sikh MLAs to make necessary amendments within a month to remove the objections raised in this law. It has also been said that until these objections are considered, the law should not be taken forward.

Meanwhile, in the meeting, some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs also admitted that they had signed the bill without reading it completely. After this statement, the opposition has accused the government of passing the law in a hurry.

What instructions did Akal Takht give?

The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib held a meeting with Sikh MLAs of various political parties and discussed the sacrilege law. He clearly said that until all the objections related to this law are considered and necessary changes are made, the process of implementing it should not proceed further. It was also directed that all the objections should be collected in writing and work should be done to make necessary amendments within a month.

What did AAP MLAs approve?

During the meeting, some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs admitted that they had signed this law without reading it in detail. After his statement, the opposition has got another opportunity to target the government. The opposition is already alleging that the government got this bill passed in the Assembly in a hurry.

What did Congress say?

Congress MLAs said that the government should have taken opinion from all parties before making the law. He says that Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (SGPC) should also have been consulted on this issue. Also, this law should have been discussed for a longer time in the Assembly, so that all aspects could be considered.

Why is Akal Takht’s opinion important?

Akal Takht is the largest religious institution of Sikhism. Even though he does not have the right to make laws, his opinion on Sikhism and related issues is highly respected. Whenever any issue related to Sikh faith or religious sentiments comes up in Punjab, the government and political parties also take the matter of Akal Takht seriously. Therefore, his instructions regarding sacrilege law are being considered important at both religious and political levels.