The experts’ panel constituted by Akal Takht to deliberate on issues concerning the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 with the Punjab Government has asked the government to first submit a compliance report on the June 29 directive of Akal Takht before any further deliberations on the proposed legislation take place.The panel comprising Justice Rupinder Singh Sodhi (retd), Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi (retd), Senior Advocate Puran Singh Hundal, Sikh scholars Dr Kehar Singh and Prof Jagmohan Singh yesterday held its first meeting. Lakhvir Singh, additional secretary, SGPC sub-office, Chandigarh, coordinated the meeting.The panel pointed out that as categorically stated by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the government’s July 29 response fails to address fundamental objections raised by the Akal Takht, particularly those concerning provisions of the proposed law that entail interference in Sikh religious matters.The response of the Punjab Government, received on the last day of the one month given by Akal Takht, is clearly an obfuscation of facts and an attempt to ignore the issue. The concerns of the Khalsa Panth were clearly communicated to the Speaker, Punjab Assembly, and members of the Punjab Cabinet on July 31.The meeting observed that the government’s conduct so far has not been constructive towards finding a resolution to the grave and sensitive issue of sacrilege. Despite substantial time given by the Akal Takht, the Punjab Government has not yet constituted its panel to deliberate on the entire issue.