Chandigarh: Emphasising that the matters concerning Gurbani and Sikh religious affairs should be addressed through Panthic institutions and established Sikh traditions rather than through state legislation, a section of Sikh scholars, intellectuals and legal experts on Wednesday demanded the repeal of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.The unanimous view emerged after detailed deliberations during a seminar on “Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026 and the Supremacy of the Shabad Guru: Panthic Concerns, Challenges and Future Policy”. The seminar was organised under the aegis of the Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chandigarh.The seminar was attended by Sikh scholars, legal experts, academicians, religious leaders, social activists and others. Prominent among those who participated included Jagmohan Singh, Gurtej Singh (IAS), Gurpreet Singh of the Institute of Sikh Studies, Justice Ranjit Singh (retd) and Dr Pyara Lal Garg.The participants observed that confining the dissemination and management of Gurbani within the framework of state legislation or govt authority “raises serious questions concerning Sikh principles and the independent status of the Shabad Guru”.They also stressed that Panthic issues should be resolved in accordance with Sikh traditions by “strengthening the moral and spiritual supremacy of Akal Takht”.Following the seminar, the participants unanimously resolved that the Panth could establish common standards for the publication, printing and digital dissemination of Gurbani by reinforcing its own traditions of self-regulation and Panthic discipline.The gathering also expressed concern over any attempt to bring Gurbani under claims of commercial monopoly, copyright or intellectual property rights. It was observed that such claims were contrary to the supremacy of the Shabad Guru and deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.The seminar stressed the need for a collective and well-considered Panthic policy to address these issues.The participants further emphasised that Gurbani should remain freely accessible to people across the world in the modern technological era. At the same time, they observed that “the authenticity, accuracy, dignity and proper respect for Gurbani must be safeguarded through Panth-approved standards and guidelines developed through collective consensus”.According to Gurpreet Singh, the suggestions and recommendations received during the deliberations would be compiled into a comprehensive policy document for consideration by Panthic institutions and the wider Sikh community.MSID:: 132416916 413 |
