Senior advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka raised concerns about Punjab’s recent strict anti-sacrilege law, questioning the need for such legislation. He emphasized that decisions regarding disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib should be left to Sikh religious leaders rather than law enforcement. The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, allows for harsher penalties for sacrilege of the living Guru Sahib.
Phoolka criticized the secretive implementation of the law, highlighting that the draft was not shared with the public beforehand. He expressed uncertainty about the amendment’s purpose and lack of clarity surrounding its provisions. The law introduces severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for acts of sacrilege, making it one of the strictest legal frameworks in the country for such offenses.
The BJP leader pointed out concerns about the government’s perceived control over Guru Granth Sahib under the new law. He questioned the extensive regulations outlined in the legislation, such as numbering and registration of copies, distribution methods, and online presence, suggesting excessive government oversight. Phoolka emphasized the importance of involving religious leaders and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in decisions related to sacrilege punishments.
Phoolka highlighted potential issues with the law, including the ease of filing FIRs for sacrilege accusations, regardless of their validity. He expressed reservations about non-Sikh officers investigating such cases and determining the adherence to Sikh customs. The BJP leader called for a reconsideration of the law’s provisions, advocating for religious bodies to play a more significant role in addressing sacrilege cases.
