Punjab Groups Denounce New Anti-Sacrilege Legislation as 'Partial' and 'Contemptuous'
In a strong rebuke from Jalandhar, two prominent Punjab-based organizations, Guru-Adab Morcha Sirhind and Lok-Raj Punjab, have vehemently criticized the recently enacted anti-sacrilege law targeting offenses against the Guru Granth Sahib. The groups have labeled the legislation as 'partial' and a 'contemptuous circumvention' of a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the Sikh holy book's status as a 'juristic person', revered as the living guru in Sikhism.
Allegations of Government Connivance and Justice Failures
Expressing deep skepticism, the groups asserted that the state government's intentions appear 'not clear and bona fide'. They went further to allege that the administration has connived with the culprits involved in sacrilege incidents. Dr. Manjit Singh Randhawa, who leads both organizations, highlighted the government's perceived failures in a statement issued on Tuesday.
'The government has miserably failed to deliver justice in the 2015 Bargari sacrilege case, which involved the Sirsa dera chief,' Dr. Randhawa stated. 'Despite the involvement, the government has not sanctioned prosecution of the Dera chief. Moreover, all sacrilege cases have been transferred out of Punjab on the demands of the accused, undermining local accountability.'
Shift from Justice to Legislative Action Criticized
Dr. Randhawa argued that there has been an orchestrated propaganda shift from addressing justice delivery failures to merely enacting strict laws, even as Punjab's law and order situation remains 'pitiably hopeless'. He accused the Punjab government of 'inapt governance', suggesting it aims to wash its hands of responsibility on this highly sensitive issue through legislative measures.
'This move allows the government to cunningly shift the entire responsibility for protecting the Guru Granth Sahib onto devotees and gurdwara committees as custodians,' he explained. 'However, the law fails to define the self-defense rights of these custodians to safeguard the juristic person, leaving them vulnerable.'
Concerns Over Government Interference and Broader Implications
Beyond immediate criticisms, Dr. Randhawa raised alarms about potential covert motives behind the legislation. He contended that it could serve as a pretext for government interference in the publication and distribution of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, extending control over religious practices.
The groups' condemnation underscores ongoing tensions in Punjab regarding religious sensitivities and governance. As debates intensify, the effectiveness and fairness of the new anti-sacrilege law remain under scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency and adherence to judicial precedents.
