The Bhagwant Mann government has officially enacted the ‘Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill’. The Governor of Punjab has approved this law providing for life imprisonment for those guilty of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
What did Harpal Singh Cheema say?
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here today, Cabinet Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema termed the move as a decisive step to maintain fraternal partnership and preserve the sanctity of religious scriptures. He further said, ‘History shows a disturbing pattern where incidents of sacrilege took place during the tenure of the SAD-BJP government, particularly the Nakodar incident of 1986 and the Bargadi and Bahibal Kalan cases of 2015.’
The Cabinet Minister said that previous governments had failed to ensure justice. He said, ‘Despite the formation of various commissions and special investigation teams under previous governments, important evidence like action reports went missing and investigation files continued to gather dust, allowing the culprits and conspirators to escape the law.’
Highlighting the changes brought about from 2022, he said, ‘The Bhagwant Mann government made tireless efforts to speed up the investigations that had been stalled for decades. For the first time, high-ranking personalities, who earlier enjoyed political protection, have been forced to seek anticipatory bail from the courts.’
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that every culprit will be brought to justice, irrespective of his social or political status.
What did Harpal Singh Cheema say on the legal arrangements?
Explaining the provisions of the law, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, ‘The newly made law has been prepared comprehensive and concrete, in which no loophole has been left to avoid justice for the culprits. This Act not only targets those who commit acts of physical sacrilege, but also covers masterminds and conspirators.
He further said, ‘In addition, this law also addresses the common defense of ‘mental instability’ used to avoid trial. Under the new arrangements, if a person under the care of a custodian commits such an act, the custodian or caretaker can also be held liable for negligence, thereby ensuring a higher level of accountability for the protection of sacred scriptures.’
Concluding his address, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, ‘This law symbolizes the fulfillment of a big guarantee made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal to the people of Punjab. Whereas previous governments together made weak laws which could not withstand legal scrutiny, the Bhagwant Mann government has provided a strong legal framework.
He stressed, ‘This Act serves as a stern warning to any forces trying to disturb the peace and social fabric of Punjab, signaling a new era where the value of religious faith is protected by the full might of the state.’
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