Ensuring strict punishment for sacrilege welcome, says Punjab Congress

Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Monday addressed the issue of amendments to the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Bill, stating that while the legislation “deserves support, the government must match its words with concrete action on the ground”.

At the outset of the special Assembly session, Bajwa said: “Any step aimed at ensuring strict punishment for sacrilege and protecting the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib is welcome”. He said, “This is not a political matter but one deeply connected with faith, emotions, and justice”.

The Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, awarding life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh for the sacrilege (beadbi) of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Bill aimed to provide a stringent legal deterrent against attempts to disturb communal harmony through organised acts of desecration.

It also mandated the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini parliament of the religion, as custodian of all ‘saroops’.

Speaking in the House, Bajwa said the Congress “supports the amendment Bill in principle and does not wish to engage in arguments over such a sensitive and religious issue”.

However, Bajwa raised serious concerns over the gap between the government’s stated intent and its actual performance. He said, while optics “are being created, the reality on the ground tells a different story”.

Challenging Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Bajwa urged him to respond to critical questions on the floor of the House with seriousness and accountability, rather than rhetoric. He questioned why investigations into the Bargari sacrilege cases, the Behbal Kalan firing and Kotkapura incidents “remain incomplete, despite these cases having shaken the conscience of Punjab”.

Bajwa said promises of delivering justice within 48 hours have now stretched into 48 months, with no clear accountability or timeline. He further questioned the priorities of the government, pointing out that while large sums are being spent on publicity, there has been no transparent update on sacrilege cases.

Raising concerns over decision-making, the Congress leader asked why these sensitive cases were transferred outside the state and why AAP legislator Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, once projected as a key face in delivering justice, is not being allowed to speak in the Vidhan Sabha.

Bajwa further pointed out that this is the fifth attempt at bringing such legislation, yet there is still uncertainty over whether it will receive the assent of the President. He questioned why the government failed to seek proper advice from constitutional experts to ensure that such efforts do not go in vain.