SGPC Panel Criticizes Punjab Government for Withholding Key Records on Anti-Sacrilege Legislation
A sub-committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has voiced serious concerns regarding the continued non-disclosure of essential records by the Punjab government and the state assembly concerning the proposed Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025. The 15-member panel convened at the SGPC office in Chandigarh on Thursday, highlighting that this lack of transparency is impeding meaningful consultation on the critical legislation.
Confusion Over Chief Minister's Announcement
The committee also addressed the confusion created by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent statement about introducing a stricter anti-sacrilege law. Mann announced that the government plans to convene a special session of the assembly on April 13, coinciding with Baisakhi, to amend the Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, and incorporate more stringent provisions against 'beadbi' (sacrilege).
However, the SGPC panel clarified that this announcement blurs the distinction between two separate legal frameworks:
- The proposed 2025 bill, which aims to protect sacred texts of all religions.
- The existing 2008 law, which specifically governs the printing, publication, and distribution of Guru Granth Sahib.
The panel emphasized that the government has neither consulted the SGPC nor shared any draft amendments to the 2008 law, raising questions about the inclusivity of the legislative process.
Repeated Requests for Information Ignored
Addressing the media, sub-committee chairman Justice M M S Bedi (retd) provided a detailed account of the panel's efforts to obtain necessary information. He revealed that the panel was formed after receiving a reference from the Punjab Vidhan Sabha select committee on August 19, 2025, seeking suggestions on the proposed bill.
Since then, the SGPC has repeatedly sought crucial details from various authorities, including:
- The select committee and assembly secretariat.
- The Punjab government.
The requests focused on understanding the shortcomings in earlier bills from 2016 and 2018, objections raised by the Central government, and proposed safeguards to prevent potential misuse of the new law. Additionally, the SGPC pointed out flaws in the Punjabi translation of the bill and flagged legal ambiguities that could lead to misuse.
Despite sending multiple communications and reminders between September 2025 and March 2026, no substantive response has been received from the concerned authorities.
Risk of Consultation Becoming a Formality
The panel noted that the absence of key records, particularly correspondence with the Centre, makes it extremely difficult to offer informed and constructive suggestions. This lack of transparency not only hampers the consultation process but also risks reducing it to a mere formality, undermining the democratic principles of legislative review.
The SGPC's concerns underscore the need for greater accountability and openness in the formulation of laws that impact religious sentiments and community harmony in Punjab.
