Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Legislative Assembly's special session has commenced. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the 'Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.' Following this, legislators representing constituencies associated with the three Takhts were given the opportunity to speak.
Once passed by the Assembly, the Bill will be sent to the Governor. Upon its enactment into law, it will provide for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹25 lakh for anyone found guilty of sacrilege.
Incidents of sacrilege have been occurring in Punjab for a long time. To take strict measures against this, the government had introduced the 'Punjab Prevention of Crimes Against Holy Texts Bill, 2025' in April of last year. That Bill covered the holy scriptures of all major religions and prescribed a punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment; however, it was subsequently referred to a Select Committee.
After the Bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly, it will be sent to the Governor of Punjab for assent. The Governor's legal team will then examine whether the Bill conflicts with any central laws. If no such conflict arises, the Governor will grant assent to the Bill. Once the Governor's assent is received, it will become law.
The government asserts that this is a state-specific Bill and therefore, does not require the President's assent. Barring any hurdles, it is expected to become law by the end of April or the first week of May. In the event of a conflict with central laws, the Bill would have to be referred to the President; in such a scenario, there could be a delay.
No government ever took concrete steps to deliver that justice : Baljinder Kaur
AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur stated that today marks a momentous day. Punjab's identity is not defined solely by agriculture or valor; rather, it is characterized by the equal respect accorded to all religions—a defining feature that has remained integral to the state's identity. Our souls share a profound spiritual bond with Gurbani. However, recent events—specifically incidents of sacrilege have inflicted deep wounds upon our hearts. The 1984 Sikh massacre can never be forgotten; similarly, the sacrilege incidents of 2015 remain a painful memory. Throughout this period, demands for justice were raised before successive governments; yet, no government ever took concrete steps to deliver that justice.
Accused Persons Used to Get Out of Jail Quickly in the Past: Nijjar
AAP MLA and former Minister Dr. Inderbir Nijjar stated that not everyone possesses the same level of understanding. Some individuals seek to divide society; hence, it becomes necessary to enact laws. For quite some time, there has been a demand for the formulation of strict laws regarding acts of sacrilege. Under the previous legal framework, accused individuals were able to secure their release from jail very quickly. There should be no ifs, ands, or buts regarding this matter.
Bajwa Demands: Committee Report Must Be Tabled
Pratap Singh Bajwa stated that a Select Committee was constituted last year. Nine months have elapsed since the formation of that committee. He demanded that the committee's report be tabled before the House, and its contents be disclosed. Furthermore, he proposed that the duration of the Assembly session be extended by one day. In response, the Speaker stated that the committee is carrying out its work, and the report will be placed before you.
Tributes Paid to Victims of Vrindavan Boat Tragedy
In the Punjab Legislative Assembly, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in the Vrindavan boat tragedy, the devotees killed in a road accident in Kangra, former Minister Lal Singh, and Asha Bhosle. Additionally, a condolence motion was moved.