Punjab to Introduce Stricter Anti-Sacrilege Bill for Guru Granth Sahib

Speaking to the media after paying obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali, near here, the Speaker extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi.

He reflected on the birth of the Khalsa, noting that Guru Gobind Singh's initiation of the Panj Piaras bestowed a distinct identity upon Sikhs rooted in the principle of Sarbat Da Bhala (the welfare of all).

Speaking on the sensitive issue of sacrilege, Speaker Sandhwan acknowledged that past incidents have caused deep anguish within the Sikh community. "While the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains steadfast in its commitment to punishing the guilty, there is a critical need for more stringent legal provisions to deter such crimes in the future," the Speaker said.

The Speaker provided an update on the legal proceedings regarding the Behbal Kalan and Bargari cases, informing the public that investigations for nearly all cases have been completed and challans (charge sheets) have been filed in court for all but one specific case.

He said matters are now under active judicial consideration. When asked about objections raised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Speaker Sandhwan remarked that there had been ample opportunity to address these concerns in the past.

He noted that those who failed to deliver justice during their own tenure are now in no position to obstruct current efforts.

The Speaker expressed hope that all members of the Vidhan Sabha, regardless of party affiliation, would unanimously pass the Bill.

He emphasized that the legislation is vital for maintaining communal harmony, ensuring peace, and upholding the supreme sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib.

A day earlier, after paying obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the government would introduce the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

"There have been several incidents in the past involving 'beadbi' (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji and other revered holy scriptures, which have deeply hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony," he said.

CM Mann noted that while Sections 298, 299, and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, address such matters, they do not prescribe stringent enough punishment to deter such acts. "After careful consideration, the Punjab government has decided that stronger legal measures are necessary to safeguard the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji and promote mutual respect and communal harmony."

He said the amendment Bill proposed enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those found guilty of sacrilege. He expressed confidence that the legislation would act as a strong deterrent and help maintain peace and communal goodwill across Punjab.

- IANS