Punjab BJP Leader Accuses AAP Government of Lacking Intent in Sacrilege Cases
In a sharp critique of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, BJP working president Ashwani Sharma has alleged that the government "lacks intent" in ensuring justice for sacrilege incidents. This accusation comes as the Punjab assembly recently cleared an amendment to the anti-sacrilege law, sparking controversy over its implementation and fairness.
Allegations of Bias and Delayed Justice
Ashwani Sharma, who represents the Pathankot assembly constituency, stated that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is creating an imbalance by focusing laws on one religion while ignoring others. "All religions' sacred texts, idols, etc., must be equally respected and the law should be uniform for all," he emphasized, questioning the government's approach to religious sensitivity.
Speaking specifically on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by the Punjab assembly, Sharma criticized the lack of wider consultation. He noted that neither the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) nor other recognized religious organizations were involved, calling it "against the spirit of the 1959 Nehru-Tara Singh agreement."
Criticism of Prosecution Delays and Low Conviction Rates
Sharma highlighted the Bargari sacrilege case as a key example of the government's failure. He recalled that before forming the government, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal promised justice within 24 hours and vowed to put culprits behind bars. However, even after four years, no punishment has been delivered, with Sharma alleging that the judicial process was deliberately slowed down.
He provided specific instances to support his claims. In May 2022, the Punjab Police SIT sought approval from the home department to prosecute accused individuals under Section 295A of the IPC, but approval was granted nearly two and a half years later on October 21, 2024. "Such delay proves the government's lack of seriousness and suggests attempts to shield the accused," Sharma asserted.
Citing data, Sharma revealed that since June 1, 2015, a total of 597 sacrilege cases have been registered in Punjab, with only 44 resulting in convictions. "Conviction in less than 10% of cases reflects weak prosecution and administrative failure," he said, adding that hearings are still ongoing in 131 cases, while many others have been cancelled or dismissed, indicating government apathy.
Concerns Over Supreme Court Proceedings and Broader Legislation
The BJP leader also raised concerns about the Punjab government's role in the Supreme Court, noting that it and the lawyers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh filed similar affidavits. He mentioned that trials in three major 2015 sacrilege cases—theft of the Guru Granth Sahib saroop, putting up objectionable posters, and recovery of torn pages—were influenced, leading the Supreme Court to stay trial court proceedings on April 29, 2025.
Referring to the ‘Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025', Sharma pointed out that it proposed life imprisonment for insulting sacred texts of all major religions, including Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and the Bible. The bill was sent to a select committee with a mandate to report within six months, but even after eight months, its status remains unclear. "This reflects a lack of seriousness and policy direction from the government," he concluded.
