Chandigarh, July 15: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab President and Cabinet Minister 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, 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.

Arora Exposes Congress, Badals on Sacrilege Cases

Aman Arora highlighted the Congress party’s hypocrisy, stating that although previous regimes constituted multiple Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and commissions, none 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 was led by ADGP LK Yadav. It submitted a comprehensive challan of over 7,000 pages. The document named 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 guard the Sikh faith, did nothing when people violated Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s sanctity. The SAD government even sent a weak bill to the Centre in 2016, but it failed because it protected only one scripture. Now, they have the audacity to question our government’s sincerity, said Mr. Arora. 

Sacrilege Bill Covers All Religions, Ensures Tough Jail Terms

He pointed out that previous governments failed to take action against the main culprits in sacrilege cases. Investigations were delayed. Some were even stalled. In contrast, the AAP government has taken a decisive approach. They have filed chargesheets in all cases. They have also named individuals, including the Badals, as accused based on investigation findings.

Aman Arora highlighted the key provisions of the Bill. He stated that it prescribes stringent punishments for sacrilege. These punishments include 10 years to life imprisonment. The bill, drafted after extensive consultations, defines desecration broadly. It includes acts such as tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, and defiling of sacred texts. These acts encompass scriptures such as Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Gutka Sahib. They also include Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and the Holy Bible, among others. Notably, the bill makes desecration a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense. It is punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years. The fine ranges from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. A key aspect of the bill is its inclusive nature. It covers all religions and emphasizes equal respect for all holy scriptures.

The bill ensures a speedy investigation by a DSP or above rank officer. It mandates respectful handling of evidence. Any disrespect to religious remains is prohibited. This provision underscores the importance of dignity and reverence in the handling of sacred texts. It also ensures swift justice in sacrilege incidents.

Aman Arora urged all political parties to support the bill. He emphasised that the AAP-led state government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s spiritual and social fabric. He assured 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,” Arora affirmed.