Chandigarh, July 15:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government took a historic step to safeguard religious sentiments by bringing the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 against sacrilege, while lambasting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress regime for their inaction in sacrilege cases.
During the discussion on the Bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, Mr. Aman Arora underlined the failure of previous governments, including the Akali-BJP and Congress regimes, to deliver justice in sacrilege cases, particularly the 2015 Bargari, Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan incidents, which involved the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Highlighting the hypocrisy of Congress party, Mr. Aman Arora stated that despite constitution of multiple Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and commissions by previous regimes, none had named the Badals as accused in sacrilege cases. However, after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Punjab, a thorough investigation was initiated. A SIT led by ADGP LK Yadav submitted a comprehensive challan of over 7,000 pages, naming former Chief Minister Late Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, and others as accused. The case is currently pending in the Court of Faridkot Additional Sessions Judge.
The Badals, who claim to be guardians of Sikh faith, did nothing when Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s sanctity was violated. Even SAD government sent a weak bill to the Centre in 2016, which was rejected because it only protected one scripture. Now, they have the audacity to question our governmentās sincerity, said Mr. Arora.
He pointed out that previous governments failed to take action against the main culprits in sacrilege cases, with investigations being delayed or stalled. In contrast, the AAP government has taken a decisive approach, filing chargesheets in all cases and naming individuals, including the Badals , as accused based on investigation findings.
Highlighting the key provisions of the Bill, Mr. Aman Arora stated that it prescribes stringent punishments for sacrilege, including 10 years to life imprisonment. The bill, drafted after extensive consultations, defines desecration broadly to include acts such as tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, and defiling of sacred texts, encompassing scriptures like Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and Holy Bible, among others. Notably, the bill makes desecration a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense, punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years and a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. A key aspect of the bill is its inclusive nature, covering all religions and emphasising equal respect for all holy scriptures.
He said that the bill also ensures speedy investigation by a DSP or above rank officer, and mandates respectful handling of evidence, prohibiting any disrespect to religious remains. This provision underscores the importance of dignity and reverence in the handling of sacred texts, while ensuring swift justice in sacrilege incidents.
Urging all political parties to support the bill, Mr. Aman Arora emphasised that the AAP-led state government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s spiritual and social fabric, ensuring that no one would be allowed to exploit faith for political gain.
“We will not let Punjab’s religious harmony be destroyed again. This time, justice will prevail,” Mr. Arora affirmed.
