India, May 7 -- Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the Golden Temple on Thursday to express gratitude for the successful enactment of a stricter law against the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, even as Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj voiced disapproval over a lack of Panthic consultation.

Outside the shrine, Mann told the media that the law was finalised after deep deliberation with "renowned Sikh lawyers" to ensure no future amendments would be necessary.

While avoiding a direct confrontation with Akal Takht, the chief minister targeted the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), questioning its standing. "It's been 14 years since an SGPC election was held. It is no longer a constitutional body....