Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that a special session of the state Assembly will be convened on April 13 to amend the 2008 Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, to introduce significantly stricter punishments for acts of sacrilege involving the Guru Granth Sahib and other religious scriptures.
The proposed amendments, prepared in consultation with members of the Sant Samaj and legal experts, are expected to include stringent provisions such as heavy financial penalties, confiscation of property, and the inclusion of offences committed through digital platforms. Mann подчеркнул that the government is adopting a zero-tolerance approach and assured that no individual found guilty of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) will be spared.
Addressing religious leaders, the Chief Minister stated that the timing of the special session coincides with Khalsa Sajna Diwas, and emphasized that the law is being carefully framed with inputs from spiritual leaders and legal professionals across the country to ensure that punishments are both strict and exemplary.
Representatives from various religious groups—including Taksals, Nihang Singh organisations, Udasi and Nirmala sects, Kar Seva groups, as well as Ragis and Kathavachaks—have been invited to witness the proceedings when the legislation is introduced and passed.
In a related development, activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has been protesting atop a 400-foot telecom tower in Samana since October 12, 2024, demanding stricter laws against sacrilege, will be approached by Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar. They are expected to urge him to end his protest and attend the special session.
Reiterating the government’s stance, Mann stated that safeguarding religious sentiments remains a priority and that stronger legal measures—including fines, property seizure, and provisions addressing digital violations—are essential to prevent such offences.
The delegation of religious leaders also urged the government to expedite pending sacrilege cases. They welcomed ongoing initiatives such as the commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the proposal to grant holy city status to Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo.
