Bhagwant Mann asserts, sacrilege law would not be withdrawn, rejects demand by Akal Takht Jathedar
BATHINDA: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today categorically stated that the aagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026 would not be withdrawn at any cost. He was addressing to media during Shukrana Yatra in Malwa region here.
The statement of Chief Minister came soon after the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh gave 15 days ultimatum to Pu jab government to withdraw the law or amend the clause holding 'custodians' responsible for the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. He said that it was direct interference in the Sikh affairs.
Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as a devout and indebted Sikh, he had embarked upon the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ with full religious fervour and gaiety after paying obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He said his heart is indebted to the Almighty for blessing him with the opportunity to serve humanity by enacting the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, which stipulates harsher punishment for sacrilege.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our Government is fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing this historic legislation, which will help put an end to sacrilege incidents in future. Sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was part of a deep-rooted conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony in Punjab. The Act ensures that anyone found guilty of this unpardonable offence will not be spared and exemplary punishment will be awarded to perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he said.
He further said excuses of mental illness in beadbi cases will no longer work and even protectors and handlers of those involved in such crimes can face life imprisonment along with fines up to ₹50 lakh. “Those committing sacrilege in Punjab will no longer escape punishment,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
He expressed hope that the stringent legislation would act as a strong deterrent against sacrilege incidents in future and no one would dare commit such a crime again. Describing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a father figure for every Sikh, the Chief Minister said it is the collective duty of society to ensure its sanctity and added that people from across the globe are expressing happiness and gratitude over the enactment of the historic law.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the sole purpose of the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ is to thank the Almighty for giving him the strength and courage to pass this important legislation. Thanking people who gathered in huge numbers despite the scorching heat, he said he was grateful to the Almighty for this overwhelming affection from the public. “I am nobody to pass this Act. Guru Sahib himself has taken this service from me,” he said, adding that God entrusts such service only to those chosen by Him.
Calling himself a humble servant of Guru Sahib, he said this was a huge responsibility because people from all sections of society had been demanding such a law for a long time to check desecration incidents. The sole purpose behind the legislation was to heal the sentiments of people bruised due to the negligence of previous governments and there was no political motive behind it. People from across the world are happy over the historic legislation and he receives numerous calls daily from people thanking him for this initiative,” he added.
However, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said some people are opposing the law tooth and nail because their political bosses are unhappy over it. “It is unfortunate that some people are indulging in politics even over this sensitive issue merely for vested interests because they know they may soon land behind bars for grave sins,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
Calling Bathinda the heart of the Malwa region, he said the massive response to the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ reflects the happiness and emotional connection of people with the enactment of the law. He said previous governments never bothered to enact such legislation because they never wanted perpetrators of sacrilege incidents to land behind bars.
Lashing out at the Akalis, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said they were never sincere about enacting such a law during their tenure because their intentions were flawed from the beginning. He added that Akali leaders allowed sacrilege incidents to happen for political gains despite seeking votes in the name of Baba Nanak. “They sought votes in the name of Baba Nanak but insulted Baba Nanak’s Bani,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
He further said Akali leaders admitted their mistakes before Akal Takht Sahib but later denied them publicly. “Those who can lie before the Takht can never remain loyal to anyone,” he remarked, urging people to remain cautious of such leaders.
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