*Punjab to Toughen Legal Action Against Sacrilege: Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan*

*Speaker Pays Obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib Ahead of Special Session on Proposed Bill*

Chandigarh, April 13, 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced today that the Punjab Government is set to introduce a bill aimed at significantly strengthening the legal framework and judicial processes to combat sacrilege incidents in the state.

Speaking to the press after paying obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali, the Speaker extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi. He reflected on the birth of the Khalsa, noting that Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s initiation of the Panj Piaras bestowed a distinct identity upon Sikhs rooted in the principle of Sarbat Da Bhala (the welfare of all).

Commitment to Justice and Prevention

Addressing the sensitive issue of sacrilege, Sandhwan acknowledged that past incidents have caused deep anguish within the Sikh Sangat.

"While the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains steadfast in its commitment to punishing the guilty, there is a critical need for more stringent legal provisions to deter such crimes in the future," the Speaker stated.

The proposed legislation is scheduled for presentation during the current special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Status of Investigations

The Speaker provided an update on the legal proceedings regarding the Behbal Kalan and Bargari cases, informing the public that:

Investigations for nearly all cases have been completed.

Challans (charge sheets) have been filed in court for all but one specific case.

The matters are now under active judicial consideration.

Response to Critics

When questioned about objections raised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sandhwan remarked that there had been ample opportunity for these concerns to be addressed in the past. He noted that those who failed to deliver justice during their own tenure are now in no position to obstruct current efforts.

A Call for Unity

In closing, the Speaker expressed his hope that all members of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha—regardless of party affiliation—would unanimously pass the bill. He emphasized that the legislation is vital for maintaining communal harmony, ensuring peace, and upholding the supreme sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt moves historic anti-beadbi amendment bill to protect sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib*

*• Life imprisonment, ₹25 lakh fine as Bhagwant Mann Govt brings toughest law against beadbi: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Previous ‘Panthic’ govts failed to protect Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwant Mann Govt delivers decisive law: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Bill rooted in Guru Sahib’s teachings, will uphold dignity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib across all faiths: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, April 13:The Bhagwant Mann government has tabled a stringent amendment bill prescribing life imprisonment for acts of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege), with Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains declaring it as a historic and uncompromising step towards justice.

As the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was tabled in the Assembly, the move marked a sharp departure from previous regimes, with the government asserting its intent to enforce strict, time-bound action and eliminate any scope for compromise in cases of ‘beadbi’.

While commencing the discussion on the landmark Bill in Punjab Assembly, Sri Anandpur Sahib MLA Harjot Singh Bains, underscored CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of Sikh scriptures. He expressed a deep sense of privilege, while stating, “I am not just an MLA today. I am a voice of the land where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gifted the Khalsa to the universe 327 years ago on April 13.”

Contrasting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government’s move with previous regimes, he said, “So-called ‘Panthic’ governments failed to enact a stringent law to protect the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with some even guilty of desecration and later confessing at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. We come from humble backgrounds and never imagined reaching here. Today, through this government, the Baadshah Darvesh Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself is taking this service from our hands."

The minister hailed the Bill as a comprehensive and visionary law, while outlining key provisions that only DSP-rank officers or above can investigate 'beadbi' cases, with strict timelines for investigation and trial. The offence would be non-compoundable and cognizable, prohibiting out-of-court settlements and allowing warrantless arrests. Convictions will attract life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh, with equal punishment for those involved or abetting the act.

Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasised, “The law extends beyond the Sikh community, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a revered scripture for Hindus, Muslims and all who cherish its message globally, thereby bringing peace to the minds of believers across faiths.”

Recalling his constituency’s significance, he noted that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji founded the city of Chak-Nanki (now Sri Anandpur Sahib). “I feel blessed that I got an opportunity to represent this Holy land. CM Bhagwant Mann laid this Assembly at the Guru's feet to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji,” he added.

He prayed at the feet of Guru Sahib, “place your hand on our heads and get this Bill passed with unanimous consent."

*Caption: Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains addresses Vidhan Sabha during discussion on Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026*

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*PUNJAB LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PAYS TRIBUTES TO DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES*

*Chandigarh, April 13:*The Punjab Legislative Assembly today paid heartfelt tributes to eminent personalities and citizens who recently passed away, through an obituary reference during its special session.

The House expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former minister S. Lal Singh, recalling his dedicated public service and significant contributions towards the development of Punjab and lauded his long and illustrious political career and his commitment to public welfare.

The Assembly also conveyed deep condolences to those who lost their lives in tragic accidents involving pilgrims from Punjab. These incidents occurred during pilgrims visits to revered religious sites in Mathura-Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh and in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh as devotees were en route to seek blessings at Mata Chintpurni and Mata Jwalamukhi shrines. The House expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls. Members stressed the need for strengthened safety arrangements at religious places to avert such unfortunate incidents in future.

The House also paid homage to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, saluting their supreme sacrifice.

In addition, tributes were paid to renowned singer Asha Bhosle, acknowledging her immense contribution to Indian music. Members observed that her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt brings strictest law against beadbi, life imprisonment & ₹25 lakh fine to ensure justice: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Opposition misled people for years while culprits roamed free, Bhagwant Mann Govt fixing accountability through historic amendment: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*From Nakodar to Behbal Kalan, SAD-BJP regimes protected culprits, Congress failed to act, truth cannot be buried anymore: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*AAP Govt files challans to fix accountability where previous administrations only formed SITs: Hapral Singh Cheema*

*Beadbi now non-bailable offence, Bhagwant Mann Govt sends clear message of zero tolerance towards beadbi: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Why hasn’t BJP enacted strict anti-beadbi law nationally, Punjab shows way with decisive action: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 13th APRIL 2026:Speaking in the Assembly today in favor of the "Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill" introduced by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief Minister for bringing necessary amendments to ensure stringent punishment for 'beadbi' (sacrilege).

Terming the amendment an honest effort by the Bhagwant Mann government, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly criticized the opposition for attempting to mislead the public. He said that the amended bill introduces historic penal provisions, stipulating life imprisonment and a penalty of ₹25 lakh for those found guilty of 'beadbi', firmly categorizing the crime as a non-bailable offense.

During his address, the Finance Minister Cheema launched a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress, tracing the dark history of 'beadbi' incidents in the state back to the Nakodar killings. He pointed out that the tragic sequence of 'beadbi' events consistently began whenever SAD and BJP were in power in Punjab.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “On February 4, 1986, in Nakodar, police opened fire on Sikh youths who were peacefully protesting the burning of five Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Sri Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Sahib. Four youths including Bhai Ravinder Singh (Littran), Bhai Harminder Singh (Chullupur), Bhai Baldhir Singh (Ramgarh), and Bhai Jhilman Singh (Gorsian) were martyred in this police firing. Following the incident, the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission was formed. While the first part of the report was submitted, the second part mysteriously vanished.”

Highlighting lack of action by previous governments, he continued, “Successive SAD-BJP governments from 1997 to 2002 and 2007 to 2017, as well as the Congress government from 2002 to 2007, made absolutely no effort to locate the missing report or deliver justice. Ironically, officials held guilty in the Nakodar incident were later rewarded with prominent positions in government and political parties.”

Addressing the 2015 incidents, the Cabinet Minister revealed that the SAD-BJP government actively attempted to destroy evidence, including tampering with bullet evidence from the Behbal Kalan firing. Questioning SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal, he said, “How can a highly educated leader, who has served as an MP, Union Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister, claim to have been ‘pressured’ into such a confession after admitting his mistakes before Sri Akal Takht Sahib?”

Criticising the Congress government, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema added, “The Congress completely failed to take action against the culprits. They only formed Special Investigation Teams but never submitted the challans in court. Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, we are working hard to provide justice to the people. We filed the challans to finally fix accountability.”

Later, interacting with journalists following his assembly address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema summarised the government's stance, emphasising that the history of the Shiromani Akali Dal is tainted regarding these issues. He expressed strong optimism that the Punjab Governor will give his nod to the "Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026” without delay, respecting the sentiments of the people. He also challenged the BJP, questioning why the Union Government has not framed a similarly strict law regarding 'beadbi' at the national level.