SGPC Welcomes Punjab's Anti-Sacrilege Bill but Demands Effective Implementation
In a significant development, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has responded to the bill introduced by the Punjab government during a special session of the legislative assembly aimed at curbing incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the Sikh community has long been demanding decisive action on this highly sensitive issue, but until now, no outcome aligning with their deep-seated sentiments has materialized.
Legislation Alone Is Not Enough
Dhami described the passage of the bill as a positive and welcome step forward. However, he strongly asserted that mere legislation is insufficient to address the core problem. "The real challenge lies in its effective implementation," he emphasized, highlighting that community sentiments must take precedence over political considerations in such critical matters.
He pointed out that similar legislative processes were already completed twice under previous governments, yet tangible results remained elusive. "What is crucial now is securing the necessary approvals so that the law can be enforced in letter and spirit," Dhami added, urging authorities to move beyond symbolic gestures.
Rising Concern Over AI Misuse on Social Media
Raising another pressing concern, Dhami urged the government to take serious note of the misuse of artificial intelligence on social media platforms. He warned that this technology is increasingly being exploited to hurt Sikh sentiments and disrespect sacred Gurbani and gurdwaras, adding a new dimension to the issue of sacrilege.
Dhami explained that sacrilege is a multi-layered issue that needs to be understood in a broader context, noting that the rising trend of such incidents online is deeply disturbing. Referring to a recent incident, he revealed that an AI-generated video depicting sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib went viral, causing widespread anguish.
While the SGPC managed to get the content removed from several platforms, Dhami termed the government's overall response as disappointing. He called for strict and proactive measures to curb such acts and prevent any attempts to hurt religious sentiments through digital means.
Mixed Political Reactions
The bill has sparked varied reactions from political quarters. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former MLA from Khadoor Sahib, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, termed the new amendment bill on sacrilege passed in the Punjab Assembly as an attempt by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to cover up its administrative failures. He dismissed it as a mere "election stunt."
In a statement issued on Monday, Brahmpura clarified that while the Shiromani Akali Dal fully supports the enactment of the strictest possible laws in cases of sacrilege, the government must not hide its failures behind legislation. He urged authorities to present the ground reality before the people of Punjab.
Support from Sikh Student Federation
On the other hand, All India Sikh Students Federation patron Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, who is also Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet), welcomed the 'Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026' passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He described it as a victory for the long-standing sentiments of the Sikh community.
In a media statement, Peer Mohammad said, "Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not merely a book for Sikhs, but the living 'Jagat Jyot' Guru. Unfortunate incidents of sacrilege have always deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, and due to legal leniency in the past, the accused often escaped punishment." He expressed hope that the new law will serve as a strong deterrent and a lesson for such offenders.
The debate underscores the complex interplay of faith, law, and politics in Punjab, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for genuine action over political posturing.
