“Not a Law but a Political Stunt — Bringing Bill Without Consultation is Irresponsible”
AMRITSAR: Punjab BJP spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala has raised serious concerns over the Punjab Cabinet’s decision to approve the (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008 for introduction in the Vidhan Sabha without any broader consultation or consensus-building.
He stated that if the AAP government is genuinely committed to ensuring strict action against those involved in sacrilege cases and intends to introduce a new law on such a sensitive issue, it should have shared the draft Bill with Sikh organisations, recognised political parties, and subject experts to build wider consensus.
Alleging lack of political will, Prof. Khiala said that the Aam Aadmi Party government neither possesses the intent nor the seriousness to ensure punishment for the guilty. “This Bill is merely a political stunt aimed at diverting public attention from the government’s failures, using religious sentiments as a tool, ” he said.
He further stated that the 2008 Act constitutionally empowers the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to regulate the printing, publication, storage, and distribution of the sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in accordance with Sikh Maryada. Any interference in this domain amounts to a direct violation of the 1959 agreement between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Master Tara Singh.
Citing data, Prof. Khiala pointed out that 597 sacrilege cases have been registered over the past 11 years, of which only 44 have resulted in convictions, 131 cases are still pending in courts, and 422 cases have been effectively closed without conclusive outcomes. “This clearly reflects the government’s failure to take decisive and effective action, ” he said.
He added that despite existing legal provisions under IPC Sections 295A and 153A—carrying punishments of up to 3 to 5 years (cumulatively up to 8 years)—the government has failed to secure convictions. In several cases, penalties as low as ₹300 to ₹500 were imposed, highlighting the seriousness of administrative apathy.
Prof. Khiala emphasised that while enacting stricter laws against sacrilege is not objectionable, any such law must reflect Punjab’s multi-religious fabric and ensure equal respect and protection for the sacred texts and religious symbols of all faiths.
He noted that out of the 597 cases, 480 relate to Sikhism, 92 to Hinduism, 14 to Islam, and 11 to Christianity. “This necessitates a comprehensive law that guarantees equal respect for all religions, ” he said.
He further stated that while Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the status of the eternal Guru (Jaagat Jot) in Sikhism, consecrated idols occupy a central place in Hinduism. Similarly, damage to religious texts, places of worship, symbols such as Nishan Sahib, and articles of faith (Kakaars) also constitutes sacrilege. Sacred texts such as the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Quran Sharif, Holy Bible, as well as scriptures of Buddhist and Jain traditions, deserve equal respect and protection.