Punjab CM to amend law for stricter punishment for sacrilege of religious texts
India Today
The proposed law, drafted in consultation with the Sant Samaj and legal experts, will impose heavy fines, property confiscation, and cover offences through digital content, Bhagwant Mann said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced that his government will hold a special Assembly session on April 13 to amend the 2008 Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, introducing stricter punishments for sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other religious texts.
The proposed law, drafted in consultation with the Sant Samaj and legal experts, will impose heavy fines, property confiscation, and cover offences through digital content, Mann said.
The government affirmed a zero-tolerance stance, vowing that no one guilty of 'beadbi' (sacrilege) will be spared.
Speaking to religious leaders, Mann said, "The session will coincide with Khalsa Sajna Diwas and the Act will be shaped with input from Sant Samaj and top lawyers nationwide to ensure exemplary punishment".
Leaders of various sects, including Taksals, Nihang Singh groups, Udasi and Nirmala sects, Kar Seva groups, Ragis, and Kathavachaks, have been invited to witness the passage of the legislation.
Meanwhile, activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has been atop a 400-foot telecom tower in Samana since October 12, 2024, demanding stricter punishment for sacrilege, will be approached by Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar to end his protest and attend the special session.
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