The Punjab government will convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha on April 13 to introduce a stringent law aimed at preventing sacrilege of religious texts, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday.
Addressing members of the Sant Samaj and religious leaders in Amritsar, Mann said the session coincides with Khalsa Sajna Diwas and the proposed legislation will be drafted in consultation with the Sant Samaj and legal experts. He added that opinions from leading lawyers across the country will also be taken to ensure strict punishment for those involved in such offences.
The Chief Minister said amendments will be made to the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, to strengthen the legal framework and make it more comprehensive in dealing with cases of sacrilege involving Guru Granth Sahib and other religious texts.
Inviting representatives from various sects, Taksals, Nihang Singh groups, Udasi and Nirmala sects, Kar Seva groups, along with Ragis and Kathavachaks, Mann urged them to attend the session and witness the passage of the proposed law.
He also said Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar will visit Samana to meet Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, urging him to end his protest and participate in the Assembly proceedings.
Emphasising the government’s commitment, Mann said the sentiments of devotees and the Sant Samaj are paramount and the law will act as a strong deterrent against such acts. The proposed legislation will include strict punishment, heavy fines and provisions for confiscation of property of the accused. It will also cover cases of sacrilege carried out through digital platforms.
Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister said no one found guilty of sacrilege will be spared.
Earlier, members of the Sant Samaj and religious organisations demanded speedy disposal of pending cases to ensure justice. They also thanked the state government for organising events to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and welcomed the decision to grant holy city status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo.