By Satnam Singh Chahal
The recently introduced Punjab Sacrilege (Prevention and Punishment) Bill by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government appears to be a politically motivated move rather than a sincere attempt to deliver justice or protect religious sentiments. The bill, introduced just ahead of the 2027 elections, is seen by many as a strategic effort to manipulate the emotions of the public and launch a veiled attack against the BJP-led central government. Arvind Kejriwal, who had promised during his election campaign that all sacrilege cases would be resolved within 24 hours of assuming power, has failed to take any concrete action even after more than two years in power. The inaction on major cases, including the Bajakhana police station incident where 11 accused including Ram Rahim are still free, highlights the gap between promises and performance.
This bill is not a new initiative but a repetition of failed attempts in the past. A similar sacrilege bill was passed in 2016 during the previous government’s tenure, and a revised version was introduced in 2018. However, the President of India rejected it due to serious constitutional concerns. By bringing a nearly identical version again, the AAP government seems to be recycling the same tactic in the hope of gaining religious and political mileage. What’s more worrying is that instead of correcting previous legal and constitutional flaws, the current bill continues to bypass critical national laws and judicial frameworks, especially the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which has replaced the Indian Penal Code.
The bill also raises major constitutional concerns. It violates several fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including Articles 25 to 28 which ensure freedom of religion, Article 19 which protects freedom of expression, and Article 14 which upholds the right to equality. By criminalizing acts defined vaguely as “sacrilege, ” the bill threatens to infringe upon individual rights and opens the door to potential misuse by authorities. It could easily be used to target individuals and groups selectively, thereby eroding democratic principles and the secular character of the state.
One of the most glaring flaws in the bill is its selective and biased approach to protecting religious texts. While it includes the Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible, it entirely ignores sacred scriptures from Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. This partiality not only reflects religious discrimination but also violates the spirit of equality under the law. Additionally, the bill overlooks Punjab’s rich folk traditions and culturally significant religious practices, which are deeply rooted in the identity of its people. By focusing only on mainstream religious texts and ignoring diverse spiritual expressions, the bill reveals its narrow vision and flawed intent.
Another major concern is the lack of clarity and precision in defining “sacrilege.” The bill fails to lay down specific parameters or criteria for what constitutes sacrilege involving religious sites or materials. In the absence of such clarity, there is a high risk of arbitrary interpretation, misuse of the law, and targeting of innocent individuals. Given Punjab’s sensitive religious landscape, such a law—if applied carelessly—can have serious consequences for social harmony and civil liberties.
The most ironic aspect of the situation is the government’s failure to act on the very cases that this bill claims to address. The Bajakhana police station case, involving major accused individuals, is a prime example. Although the Punjab Police applied for prosecution sanction from the Home Department in May 2022, approval was granted only in October 2024. Even after this, no meaningful action has been taken. This delay reflects a lack of political will and seriousness in addressing sacrilege cases, raising doubts about the true motive behind the new bill.
Arvind Kejriwal and the Punjab government must stop playing with the religious sentiments of the people. Instead of indulging in legislative drama and political symbolism, the government should focus on delivering justice, honoring constitutional values, and ensuring that those responsible for past sacrileges are held accountable. Justice delayed is justice denied—and symbolic laws without real enforcement mechanisms are nothing but distractions.
In conclusion, the Punjab Sacrilege Bill is not only constitutionally problematic and legally flawed, but also a dangerous political stunt. It neither guarantees justice nor strengthens faith. It is an emotional trap designed to polarize the electorate and divert attention from the government's failure to act decisively in previous sacrilege cases. Punjab deserves better—real justice, not hollow legislation; real governance, not emotional manipulation.