Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced plans for a new Bill to combat sacrilege incidents in the state during a special Assembly session on Monday. Sandhwan, speaking after visiting Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali, emphasized the significance of Vaisakhi and the birth of the Khalsa under Guru Gobind Singh’s leadership, promoting the principle of Sarbat Da Bhala.
Acknowledging the pain caused by past sacrilege incidents within the Sikh community, Speaker Sandhwan stressed the government’s commitment, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to hold the perpetrators accountable. He highlighted the necessity for stricter legal measures to prevent such crimes in the future.
Sandhwan updated on the progress of legal proceedings related to the Behbal Kalan and Bargari cases, stating that investigations for most cases have concluded, with charge sheets filed in court for all but one case. He addressed objections from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), emphasizing the importance of passing the Bill unanimously in the Vidhan Sabha for communal harmony and the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, after visiting Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, announced the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to address sacrilege incidents involving revered scriptures. Mann highlighted the need for stronger legal measures, proposing enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, to safeguard the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and promote communal harmony in Punjab.
