After returning from New Zealand, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj has called a meeting of Sikh scholars on May 3 at Bhai Gurdas Hall, located near the Golden Temple, to discuss the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.Sources in the Akal Takht secretariat stated that invitations have been sent to Sikh bodies, scholars, and lawyers to deliberate on the Act. The passage of the legislation by the AAP-led government under Bhagwant Singh Mann has elicited diverse opinions among Sikh institutions and scholars.A section of Sikh academicians and experts has already rejected the move, arguing that the state is encroaching upon religious matters following the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s approval of the Act.The development is also being seen as an attempt by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal)-backed SGPC and Akal Takht to counter AAP’s growing involvement in Panthic affairs.SGPC and Akal Takht are already upset with the government for ignoring Panthic bodies while passing the amendments to the Act.Earlier, on April 6, Panthic organisations led by officiating Jathedar Gargaj had unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the state government send the draft sacrilege law to SGPC for suggestions. However, the government did not comply.Sources in SGPC stated that the resolution clearly conveyed that the draft law, along with their recommendations, would be returned promptly. The meeting of Panthic organisations was specifically convened after the state government decided to introduce amendments to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, proposing stricter punishment for sacrilege. However, all efforts proved futile, as the Punjab government did not oblige and ignored the Panthic bodies, including SGPC and Akal Takht.A week later, on April 13, the Assembly passed the amendments to the Act without taking note of the resolution submitted by Sikh bodies. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave his assent to the Act on April 20.