Chandigarh (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday delivered a passionate address in the Vidhan Sabha while backing the Sacrilege Bill, stating that the law is not just a legal necessity but a moral imperative to uphold the dignity and sanctity of religious scriptures and sentiments across all communities.
“This matter transcends politics,” Mann said, “It is about the spiritual and emotional core of our people. There is deep pain in Punjab because of repeated incidents of sacrilege, be it of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Quran Sharif, or Bhagavad Gita, and yet justice has remained elusive.”
Mann highlighted that Gurmukhi is not just a script but a sacred gift, and Shabad Guru, the Word of the Guru, is revered as the living Guru. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not just a book; it is our living Guru. That is why we call its pages Angs, parts of the divine body,” he explained.
The Chief Minister slammed the recurring excuse of “mental illness” used in many sacrilege cases to shield perpetrators. “Why is it that the accused is always found mentally unwell? This is an insult to the collective intelligence of the people. Such justifications have only increased the public’s frustration,” Mann asserted.
He emphasized that the bill is not about targeting any religion or group but ensuring justice and deterrence. “From the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the vandalism of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statues, we’ve seen a pattern where no firm action is taken. This cannot go on,” he said.
The CM added that the spiritual richness of Punjab demands legal protection. “Just one Ang of Sri Guru Granth Sahib can take months to interpret. That’s how deep it is. How can we allow anyone to trample on that with impunity?”
Calling for cross-party unity, Mann urged all members of the House to support the bill in its true spirit. “The punishment shouldn’t be symbolic. It must send a message across the country that Punjab will not tolerate sacrilege of any kind — not now, not ever.”
The Sacrilege Bill aims to prescribe strict legal consequences for the desecration of religious texts and symbols. With Chief Minister Mann’s strong endorsement, the bill is expected to receive wide support in the Assembly.
Religious leaders, civil society groups, and many across the state have lauded the move, seeing it as a long-awaited step to restore faith in the rule of law and protect Punjab’s spiritual harmony.
