Punjab Government to amend Act to include respectful word 'Beed' for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang clarified that the anti-sacrilege law of the Punjab government is only to provide strictest punishment to those who knowingly carry out incidents of sacrilege. He said that this law has no intention of interfering in Sikh religious matters, Sikh dignity or the rights of religious institutions.

Big statement of Malvinder Singh Kang     

In a press conference on Thursday, Kang said that the Bhagwant Mann government has brought this law in response to the long-standing demand of the Sikh Sangat, so that a strong legal framework can be created to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege and the culprits cannot escape punishment.

He said that after the bill was passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly, the Jathedar Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib had given some suggestions. The Punjab Government has accepted those suggestions with full respect and has prepared a draft incorporating the changes. These amendments will be introduced in the coming assembly session.

Kang said that the AAP government greatly respects Sri Akal Takht Sahib and all Sikh religious institutions. He said, "Our intention has never been to interfere in Sikh religious matters. The sole purpose of this law is to ensure that anyone who intentionally commits sacrilege gets full punishment under the law."   

Clarifying concerns about the wording used in the bill, Kang said the government would make amendments to clearly include respectful terms used for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, such as 'Beed' and 'Swaroop' as per Sikh traditions.

He clarified the definition of 'custodian', saying that it does not mean ownership, but a servant or caretaker who has been entrusted with the service and protection of the sacred images. This includes any person, Dera or Gurdwara committee responsible for the maintenance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Kang clarified that the custodians or servicemen will not be held guilty just because some bad incident happens. If an incident occurs due to unintentional mistake, technical fault or without any criminal intention, then the penal sections of the Act will not be applicable.

He further clarified that no caretaker can be arrested immediately as soon as a complaint is received. Every complaint will first be independently investigated by an SP/DCP level officer within 30 days, which can be extended by 15 days if necessary. During this time, the concerned Shiromani Committee officials will also be informed, and no strict action will be taken until the investigation proves that there was a deliberate mistake.

Kang said the Act was specifically designed to target those who knowingly commit sacrilege or conspire to do so. Any person planning or helping such incidents will be guilty under sections related to criminal conspiracy.

Rejecting misconceptions being spread about the Act, Kang clarified that it does not place any restrictions on religious, educational, academic or digital propagation of Gurbani. Activities like Katha, Kirtan, research, religious discussion, Nagar Kirtan, Anand Karaj Samagam, photography, live telecast, or respectful lighting of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in homes and Sukhasana are completely out of the scope of this law. Real devotees and sevadars have no need to fear.

He also clarified that a unique encrypted identification number for each form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be issued and maintained only by SGPC. The central register will remain completely encrypted and confidential and will never be made public. Personal details of devotees or sevadars will also remain safe. The investigating agencies will be able to access the records only through the Shiromani Committee as per the prescribed rules.

Kang further said that the Act also provides for examination by a medical board in cases where an accused claims to be unsound, so that those who knowingly commit crimes by misusing such provisions cannot escape punishment.

He said that the Punjab Government will also appeal to the Central Government to enact a uniform law across the country so that incidents of sacrilege can be dealt with uniformly across India. Kang said that the intention of the Bhagwant Mann government is absolutely clear. This law is not against Sikh Sangat, sevadars or religious institutions. Its sole purpose is to give strict punishment to those who deliberately disrespect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to prevent such tragic incidents from happening again.