Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act enacted by the Punjab government to curb incidents of sacrilege has now faced a legal challenge. Simranjit Singh, a resident of Jalandhar, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, questioning the constitutional validity of the law.
The petition argues that the amendment goes against the secular principles of the country. The petitioner contends that no state government has the authority to enact a law that is limited to a single religion. He further alleged that the legislation does not address sacrilege or insults to other religions, thereby violating the right to equality.
According to the plea, the Constitution guarantees equal respect and protection to all religions. Creating a special law for one religious scripture, it claims, contradicts the fundamental spirit of the Constitution. The petitioner has urged the court to either strike down the act or direct the government to include provisions that equally cover all religions.
Government Defends the Law
On the other hand, the Punjab government has maintained that the law was enacted in response to rising incidents of sacrilege, with the aim of preserving social harmony and public peace. The government asserts that the intention is not to favor any particular community, but to safeguard religious sentiments.
With the matter now before the court, a significant legal debate is expected. Experts believe the case could set an important precedent not just for Punjab, but for the entire country regarding the scope of secularism and legislative powers. The High Court has begun hearing the petition, and a crucial ruling is anticipated in the coming period.