Chandigarh — Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chandigarh hosted a discussion on topic “Jagat Jyot Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026 and the Supremacy of the Shabad Guru: Panthic Concerns, Challenges and Future Policy” on 15 July 2026. The discussion was attended by Sikh scholars, legal experts, academicians, religious leaders, social activists, and a large number of members of the Sikh Sangat from different walks of life.
Based on the Position Paper presented during the discussion, detailed deliberations were held on six key issues. The speakers emphasized that Gurbani is universal, all-embracing, and intended for the spiritual guidance of all humanity. They observed that confining its dissemination and management within the framework of state legislation or governmental authority raises serious questions concerning Sikh principles and the independent status of the Shabad Guru.
During the discussions, participants expressed the view that Panthic issues should be resolved in accordance with Sikh tradition by strengthening the moral and spiritual supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Sikh intellectuals stated 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 participants also expressed deep concern over any attempt to bring Gurbani under claims of commercial monopoly, copyright, or intellectual property rights. They observed that such claims are 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 discussion further highlighted that Gurbani should remain freely accessible to people across the world in the modern technological era. At the same time, participants emphasized that the authenticity, accuracy, dignity, and proper respect for Gurbani must be safeguarded through Panth-approved standards and guidelines developed through collective consensus.
A broad consensus emerged that continuous dialogue among Sikh scholars, legal experts, religious leaders, intellectuals, and representatives of the global Sikh community is essential to formulate a farsighted policy that safeguards the supremacy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the autonomy of the Guru Panth, and the universal character of Gurbani.
During the seminar, Sikh intellectuals also demanded that the “Jagat Jyot Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026” be repealed, maintaining that matters concerning Gurbani and Sikh religious affairs should be addressed through Panthic institutions and established Sikh traditions rather than through state legislation.
The organizers thanked all the scholars, distinguished guests, and members of the Sangat who participated in the seminar. It was announced that 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.
Among those who participated in the seminar were Jagmohan Singh, Gurtej Singh (IAS), Gurpreet Singh (Global Sikh Council), Justice Ranjit Singh, Dr. Pyara Lal Garg, Parmjeet Singh Gazi, Maninder Singh Brar, Gurmeet Singh Ranchi, Jagjit Singh Ratangarh, Gurpreet Singh (Bahrain), Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Jaspal Singh Sidhu (Senior Journalist), and Chetan Singh (Former Director, Language Department), along with several other distinguished personalities.
