‘Punjab will introduce stricter anti-sacrilege law’: Speaker Sandhwan calls for unity in Assembly

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced on Monday that the Punjab government is set to introduce a Bill aimed at significantly strengthening the legal framework and judicial processes to combat incidence of sacrilege in the state.

Speaking to the press after paying obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib, the Speaker extended his greetings to the people 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).

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Addressing the sensitive issue of sacrilege, Sandhwan acknowledged that past incidents have caused deep anguish within the Sikh Sangat. “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 stated.

The proposed legislation is scheduled to be presented during the current special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

The Speaker provided an update on the legal proceedings regarding the Behbal Kalan case and Bargari case, informing the public that investigations in nearly all cases have been completed and the matters are now under active judicial consideration. When questioned about objections raised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sandhwan remarked that there had been ample scope for these concerns to be addressed in the past. He added that those who failed to deliver justice during their tenure are now in no position to obstruct current efforts.

In closing, the Speaker expressed hope that all members of the Punjab 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.