Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang on Thursday categorically clarified that the Punjab Government’s law against sacrilege is aimed solely at ensuring the strictest punishment for those who deliberately commit acts of sacrilege and has no intention of interfering in Sikh religious affairs, Sikh Rehat Maryada, or the rights of religious institutions.
Addressing a press conference, Kang said the Bhagwant Mann Government brought the legislation in response to the long-standing demand of the Sikh community for a strong legal framework to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege and ensure that those responsible do not escape punishment.
He said that after the Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bill, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib suggested certain amendments. The Punjab Government accepted these suggestions with utmost respect and has already submitted a draft incorporating the proposed changes. These amendments will be brought before the Punjab Legislative Assembly in the upcoming session.
Kang said the AAP government deeply respects Sri Akal Takht Sahib and all Sikh religious institutions. “Our objective has never been to interfere in Sikh religious affairs. The sole purpose of this law is to ensure that anyone who intentionally commits sacrilege faces the strictest legal punishment,” he said.
Clarifying concerns regarding the terminology used in the Bill, Kang announced that the government will amend the legislation to explicitly include the revered terms used for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, including “Bir” (ਬੀੜ) and “Saroop”, in accordance with Sikh traditions.
He also clarified the definition of “Custodian”, saying it does not refer to ownership but to a sevadar or caretaker entrusted with the service and protection of the holy Saroop. The term includes any individual, institution, dera, or Gurdwara committee responsible for the care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Kang categorically stated that custodians or sevadars will not be presumed guilty merely because an unfortunate incident has occurred. If an incident takes place due to an unintentional mistake, technical lapse, or without any criminal intent, the penal provisions of the Act will not apply.
He further clarified that no custodian can be arrested immediately after a complaint. Every complaint must first undergo an independent investigation by an SP/DCP-level officer within 30 days, extendable by 15 days if required. During this period, the concerned SGPC authorities will also be informed, and no coercive action will be taken unless the investigation establishes deliberate wrongdoing.
Kang said the Act is specifically designed to target those who intentionally commit sacrilege or conspire to do so. Anyone found deliberately planning or facilitating such acts will also be liable under the provisions relating to criminal conspiracy.
Rejecting misinformation being spread about the Act, Kang clarified that it does not impose any restriction on the religious, educational, academic, or digital propagation of Gurbani. Activities such as Katha, Kirtan, research, religious discourse, Nagar Kirtans, Anand Karaj ceremonies, photography, live telecasts, or the respectful Prakash and Sukhasan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in homes remain completely outside the scope of the law. Genuine devotees and sevadars have nothing to fear.
He also clarified that the unique encrypted identification number for every Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be issued and maintained exclusively by the SGPC. The central register will remain fully encrypted and confidential and will never be placed in the public domain. Personal details of devotees or sevadars will also remain protected. Investigating agencies will be able to access records only through the SGPC and strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Kang added that the Act also provides for a Medical Board examination in cases where an accused claims mental instability, ensuring that such provisions are not misused to help deliberate offenders escape punishment.
He said the Punjab Government will also urge the Central Government to enact a similar law across the country so that incidents of sacrilege can be dealt with uniformly throughout India.
“The Bhagwant Mann Government’s intention is absolutely clear. This law is not against the Sikh Sangat, sevadars, or religious institutions. It is meant only to ensure exemplary punishment for those who deliberately insult Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to prevent such painful incidents from recurring,” Kang asserted.
