1 july 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A day after the Akal Takht directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to initiate the process of seeking amendments to Punjab’s proposed anti-sacrilege legislation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came out strongly in defence of the law, asserting that his government remains committed to safeguarding the sanctity of all religions while ensuring strict punishment for those found guilty of desecrating religious texts.
Addressing the media, Mann said the legislation had been drafted with the sole objective of preserving communal harmony and protecting the religious sentiments of people across Punjab. He rejected allegations that the proposed law was politically motivated, insisting that the government had acted after extensive consultations and in response to the long-standing public demand for stringent legal provisions against acts of sacrilege.
The Chief Minister maintained that incidents involving the desecration of holy scriptures have repeatedly disturbed peace in Punjab over the years and have deeply hurt the sentiments of people belonging to different faiths. According to him, the proposed legislation aims to deter such incidents by prescribing stronger legal consequences for offenders.
Mann’s remarks came just a day after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, asked the SGPC to examine the provisions of the proposed law and recommend necessary amendments wherever required. The directive has sparked fresh debate over the legal and constitutional aspects of the legislation, with religious organisations, legal experts and political parties expressing differing views.
While responding to questions on the Akal Takht’s observations, Mann said his government respects all religious institutions and welcomes constructive suggestions aimed at strengthening the legislation. However, he reiterated that the core objective of the law would remain unchanged—ensuring effective legal action against those who intentionally commit acts of sacrilege.
The Punjab government recently approved the draft anti-sacrilege legislation, which proposes stringent punishment, including life imprisonment, for those convicted of deliberately desecrating religious scriptures or sacred objects associated with recognised religions. The Bill is intended to cover holy books and places of worship belonging to multiple faiths in an effort to provide equal legal protection.
The issue of sacrilege has remained politically and socially sensitive in Punjab since the series of desecration incidents reported in 2015, particularly involving the Guru Granth Sahib. Those incidents led to widespread protests, political upheaval and prolonged demands for tougher legal provisions. Successive governments attempted to bring stricter laws, but earlier efforts failed to receive the required constitutional approval.
The Mann government has argued that the latest draft has been prepared after examining legal shortcomings in previous versions and consulting constitutional experts to ensure that it can withstand judicial scrutiny. Officials have also stated that the Bill seeks to balance the protection of religious sentiments with constitutional guarantees of equality and freedom of expression.
Opposition parties have offered mixed reactions to the proposed legislation. While several leaders have welcomed the government’s intention to curb sacrilege, others have questioned whether the provisions are legally sustainable and whether they may invite constitutional challenges. Some critics have also urged the government to ensure that the law cannot be misused or selectively enforced.
Religious organisations, meanwhile, have called for careful examination of the Bill before its final passage. The Akal Takht’s directive to the SGPC is being viewed as an effort to ensure that the legislation adequately reflects Sikh religious concerns while remaining legally sound. The SGPC is expected to study the draft and submit its recommendations after consulting legal experts and religious scholars.
Legal experts have noted that any state legislation dealing with criminal offences must remain consistent with the Constitution and existing central laws. Since criminal law falls under the Concurrent List, any provisions that differ from central legislation could require the assent of the President before becoming enforceable.
Despite the emerging debate, Mann insisted that his government would continue engaging with stakeholders while moving forward with the legislative process. He emphasised that maintaining communal harmony and preventing attempts to disturb public peace remain among the government’s top priorities.
The Chief Minister also appealed to political parties not to politicise an issue that concerns the religious sentiments of millions. He said acts of sacrilege have no place in a civilised society and should be dealt with firmly under the law, irrespective of the religion involved.
As discussions continue, the proposed anti-sacrilege law is expected to remain a major political and legal issue in Punjab. The recommendations of the SGPC following the Akal Takht’s directive, along with the government’s response, are likely to shape the final version of the legislation before it is introduced in the Punjab Assembly for consideration.