Punjab’s Law, Akal Takht Authority Collide in Unresolved Confrontation

Punjab made a strict law to punish attacks on the Guru Granth Sahib.

The government said the law would help protect religious harmony.

The Akal Takht agreed that serious punishment was needed but objected to parts of the law.

It said lawmakers were entering areas involving Sikh religious language and administration.

The law created a new category called a custodian and required an electronic register for religious scriptures.

Sikh ministers and legislators were asked to explain why they supported the law.

They later agreed that the disputed sections should be changed.

The government sent an explanation instead of an amended law, so the disagreement continued.

The article says neither the government nor the Akal Takht clearly emerged stronger.