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Politics
Punjab Govt to Set Up 7-Member Committee with Akal Takht on Anti-Insult Act
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 16 Sep 2026, 10:01 PM
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The Punjab government announced the formation of a seven‑member committee to work with the Akal Takht Sahib in addressing the ongoing dispute over the Anti‑Insult Act, after months of disagreement.
The Punjab administration has moved to resolve a protracted standoff with the Akal Takht Sahib over the controversial Anti‑Insult Act. The disagreement, which has persisted for several months, intensified after the religious body lodged a formal objection to the government's response in July 2026.
In a recent statement, officials said a seven‑member committee will be constituted, comprising senior government officials and representatives nominated by the Akal Takht. The committee’s mandate is to examine the contentious provisions of the act and recommend a mutually acceptable framework for implementation.
Government sources indicated that the move aims to restore cooperative relations between the state and the Sikh religious authority, while respecting the sensitivities that the act has raised among the community. The Akal Takht, which had previously expressed concerns about potential misuse of the legislation, is expected to engage constructively through the new panel.
Analysts note that the establishment of the committee could pave the way for a calibrated approach to the law, balancing law‑and‑order objectives with the need to uphold religious sentiments in Punjab.
In a recent statement, officials said a seven‑member committee will be constituted, comprising senior government officials and representatives nominated by the Akal Takht. The committee’s mandate is to examine the contentious provisions of the act and recommend a mutually acceptable framework for implementation.
Government sources indicated that the move aims to restore cooperative relations between the state and the Sikh religious authority, while respecting the sensitivities that the act has raised among the community. The Akal Takht, which had previously expressed concerns about potential misuse of the legislation, is expected to engage constructively through the new panel.
Analysts note that the establishment of the committee could pave the way for a calibrated approach to the law, balancing law‑and‑order objectives with the need to uphold religious sentiments in Punjab.