Government must act seriously on desecration cases: Advocate Dhami

Amritsar, March 21 ,Nazrana Times President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, has raised concerns over the Punjab Government’s failure to provide information sought by the SGPC regarding the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025.
Advocate Dhami stated that while the sacred texts of all religions deserve respect, Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the status of the living (Jagat Jyot) Guru for Sikhs. He emphasized that there should be specific legal provisions to prevent incidents of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He further said that strict punishment must be ensured for the accused in ongoing sacrilege cases under existing laws, rather than allowing the issue to be reduced to mere political debate.
He noted that although the Punjab Legislative Assembly introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, the government’s approach so far has been disappointing. A Select Committee formed in this regard had sought suggestions from the SGPC, following which the SGPC constituted a 15-member high-level committee. During its meetings, the committee deliberated extensively and requested certain essential information from the Select Committee. However, the government’s Select Committee has not responded positively so far.
Advocate Dhami said that the SGPC can submit its suggestions and opinion report only after receiving the required information, but the government does not appear to be taking the matter seriously. He reiterated that Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds a unique and supreme position as the eternal and ever-present Guru, and this aspect cannot be ignored while framing the legislation.
He added that SGPC’s recommendations must be comprehensive and based on thorough examination of all aspects, which makes it essential for the government to provide the requested data. Despite repeated communications seeking records and information, the Select Committee’s failure to respond appears unfortunate, biased, and driven by political interests.
Advocate Dhami remarked that this indicates the letter issued to the SGPC inviting suggestions was merely a formality, lacking genuine intent. He made it clear that if the government fails to provide the requested information, it would reflect a lack of seriousness towards the Bill.
Referring to ongoing protests, Advocate Dhami said that Bhai Gurjeet Singh is leading a struggle in Samana regarding legislation on sacrilege, and the SGPC has supported this movement from the outset. He stressed that no party should politicize the issue of sacrilege; instead, all stakeholders must unite to address this sensitive matter with seriousness.