Amritsar: A high-level delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Punjab MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, on Wednesday submitted a revised draft of Punjab’s proposed anti-sacrilege law to the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, incorporating amendments suggested by Sikh religious authorities and legal experts.
The revised draft was submitted in compliance with directions issued by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who had asked Sikh legislators to revisit the proposed legislation after concerns were raised over several legal and religious provisions.
The submission comes exactly one month after Sikh MLAs from Punjab were summoned to Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 29, when the Punjab government was given a one-month deadline to review the draft law in consultation with legal experts, religious scholars and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The revised draft was submitted before the expiry of the deadline.
The original draft had faced objections from the SGPC and several Sikh religious organisations, particularly over the use of the term “custodian” and certain other provisions. Religious leaders argued that the terminology did not reflect the supreme status and maryada of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Following these objections, Sri Akal Takht Sahib directed the Punjab government to revise the legislation to make it legally sound while ensuring that individuals accused of deliberate sacrilege could not exploit legal loopholes.
Speaking after submitting the revised draft, Dr. Nijjar said the government’s objective was to protect religious sentiments while ensuring justice and preventing misuse of the law.
He clarified that the proposed amendments distinguish between deliberate acts of sacrilege and unintentional mistakes. According to the revised draft, an accidental or unintentional act would not be treated as an offence under the proposed legislation.
Dr. Nijjar said safeguards have also been incorporated to prevent misuse of the law. However, he emphasised that anyone found to have deliberately desecrated a religious scripture or attempted to disturb communal harmony would face stringent legal action.
The revised draft also introduces procedural safeguards during investigations. No immediate arrest will be made in sacrilege-related cases, and every complaint will first be examined by a senior police officer of at least the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Further legal proceedings will be initiated only after a detailed inquiry to ensure that innocent individuals are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.
Dr. Nijjar reiterated that the Punjab government remains committed to protecting the sanctity and dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and all other religious scriptures. He said the revised legislation has been prepared after incorporating the directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and making the necessary legal, technical and religious modifications.
