Paramjit Sarna slams Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege bill, calls it ‘backdoor attempt to undermine SGPC’
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 13, 2026: Delhi Shiromani Akali Dal leader Paramjit Singh Sarna has strongly criticised the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced by the Punjab government, alleging that it is a “political instrument” designed to weaken the authority of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Reacting to the bill presented during a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Sarna said that although the legislation is framed in the language of respect and protection of the Guru Granth Sahib, its actual intent is to bring Sikh religious institutions under increased state control.
He alleged that the provisions of the bill create space for administrative and legal interference in matters traditionally handled by the Panth through the SGPC. According to him, mandatory digital record-keeping, certification requirements, and periodic reporting mechanisms would effectively place religious practices under bureaucratic monitoring.
Sarna also objected to clauses requiring custodians and religious personnel to report incidents, including suspected sacrilege, directly to police authorities, arguing that this could lead to unnecessary criminalisation of sensitive religious matters.
He further warned that strict punishment structures and the classification of offences as cognisable and non-bailable could lead to misuse of the law. He raised concerns over ambiguity in defining offences and intent, stating that such provisions could allow selective enforcement.
The Akali leader also questioned the centralisation of investigative powers with senior police officers and criticised the lack of clarity regarding cases involving mental health conditions.
Calling the legislation politically motivated, Sarna alleged that it reflects an attempt to reduce the role of the SGPC and replace traditional Sikh institutional mechanisms with state-controlled systems.
He also urged the Punjab Chief Minister to release a white paper detailing sacrilege-related cases, prosecutions, and convictions during the current government’s tenure.
He cautioned Sikh organisations to closely examine the bill, claiming that its rule-making provisions could allow the government to expand its authority through notifications without fresh legislative approval.
Sarna concluded that the bill appears to be a “political move” rather than a genuine effort to protect religious sanctity, adding that its legal sustainability and chances of receiving final assent remain uncertain.