Overview
- The Maharashtra government told Sikh leaders it will form a consultative committee to meet religious stakeholders and scholars before the draft Takht law is tabled, a decision announced after talks on June 26.
- The cabinet approved a proposal on June 22 to repeal the 1956 Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Act and replace it with the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Act, which would rewrite election, nomination and bylaw rules.
- Critics say the draft would let the state nominate up to 12 of 17 board members, cut SGPC representation, remove established institutional roles and end reserved seats for Sikh MPs, changes that opponents call a bid to increase government control.
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib caretakers issued a unanimous gurmata rejecting the repeal and were joined by the SGPC, Akal Takht and Akali Dal leaders in demanding withdrawal or major changes to protect the Takht’s religious autonomy.
- Commentators and some Sikh figures say targeted amendments—such as electing the president and vice-president, restoring SGPC seats and clarifying voter eligibility—could be negotiated, and observers say the consultations will determine whether reform proceeds or is rolled back as in past attempts.