Punjab CM Mann defends Anti-Sacrilege law, dismisses rumours over Akhand Path permissions
Babushahi Bureau
Sattoz (Sangrur), May 19, 2026:
Sattoz (Sangrur), May 19, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday strongly defended the state government’s proposed “Anti-Sacrilege Act 2026,” claiming the legislation was prepared after consultations with prominent Sikh lawyers, retired judges, legal experts, and members of the Sant Samaj to ensure strict action against sacrilege cases.
Addressing a public gathering in his native village Sattoz, the Chief Minister accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead the Sikh community regarding the proposed law.
Mann said certain traditional political groups and individuals who had long “controlled religion for political purposes” were now opposing the legislation because they were uncomfortable with reforms aimed at ensuring accountability in sacrilege-related incidents.
The Chief Minister stated that the draft of the law was carefully prepared to remove legal loopholes and ensure that those involved in acts of sacrilege cannot escape punishment.
Referring to the legislative process, Mann claimed opposition leaders expected the bill to remain stuck at the level of Presidential approval. However, he said the government introduced the legislation under a framework that required only the Governor’s assent.
According to the Chief Minister, he personally urged the Governor to approve the bill, describing it as a matter of protecting religious sentiments rather than politics.
Mann also dismissed allegations that people would need police permission to organise Akhand Path ceremonies at home under the proposed law. Calling such claims “baseless rumours,” he said no such provision exists in the legislation.
The Punjab Chief Minister further referred to a July 2024 resolution passed by Akal Takht, stating that discussions around accountability in sacrilege-related cases had already been raised through religious directives issued at that time.
He maintained that the government had not imposed direct legal responsibility on granthis under the proposed law and said the legislation was shaped after extensive consultations with Sikh scholars and religious figures associated with long-standing campaigns against sacrilege incidents.
During his speech, Mann remarked that whenever systems are changed, those benefiting from the old structure often resist reforms. He alleged that a “small group of vested interests” was attempting to create opposition against the law for political reasons.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging people to support the legislation, describing it as a historic step aimed at protecting religious sanctity and preventing future sacrilege incidents in Punjab.