Punjab: Amid mounting pressure, AAP govt mulls tweaking anti-sacrilege law

The AAP government in Punjab has taken an in-principle decision to amend the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act after opposition from the Akal Takht and Sikh clergy.

The law was passed by the state assembly on April 13 and received governor Gulab Chand Kataria's assent on April 17, but was criticized for interfering with Sikh religious authority.

Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj issued a directive on June 29 giving a one-month ultimatum to amend controversial portions of the Act.

Opposition parties, led by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), intensified their offensive against the ruling AAP following the Akal Takht's directive.

A cabinet meeting is expected in a few days to finalize amendments, and a Vidhan Sabha session will be convened soon to discuss legislative modifications.