High-Level Committee Constituted by SGPC Meets on Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025; Raises Questions Over Government’s Intent

Amritsar, March 28, Kanwar Partap Singh 
A meeting of the 15-member high-level sub-committee constituted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) was held at its sub-office in Chandigarh to deliberate on the proposed Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025.
The meeting was attended by sub-committee chairman retired Justice Mohinder Mohan Singh Bedi, along with senior advocate Puran Singh Hundal, former district attorney Baltej Singh Dhillon, former Punjab School Education Board chairman Kehar Singh, Sikh Itihas Research Board member Dr Paramvir Singh, Bibi Prabhjot Kaur, SGPC members Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Advocate Amardeep Singh Dharni, Advocate Brajinder Singh Sodhi, legal advisor Amanbir Singh Siali, and coordinator Lakhvir Singh, among others.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on recent statements made by Punjab chief minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, earlier sub-committee meetings, and deliberations with the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Select Committee.
*Confusion Over Two Different Laws*
Addressing the media, Justice Bedi stated that members unanimously felt the CM’s recent remarks had created confusion. He clarified that the CM’s statement dated March 22 referred to The Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, which deals with the printing, publication, distribution, and supply of Guru Granth Sahib.
However, the sub-committee is examining a separate proposed legislation—the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, which concerns acts of sacrilege against religious texts of all faiths. Members expressed concern that the government’s statements were blurring the distinction between the two.
Lack of Consultation and Information
The sub-committee noted that despite the CM’s claim that amendments to the 2008 Act would be made after consulting legal experts and religious institutions, no consultation has been held with the SGPC so far. Nor has any draft amendment been shared.
Members further alleged that repeated requests by the SGPC for crucial documents and information related to the proposed 2025 Bill have gone unanswered. They stated that both the Select Committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the state government have deliberately withheld the requested material.
The SGPC had sought details on shortcomings in the 2016 and 2018 Bills passed by the Punjab Assembly, objections raised by the central government on those Bills, steps proposed to address those objections, safeguards against potential misuse of the new law and clarity on ambiguous legal provisions
The committee also flagged serious errors in the Punjabi translation of the Bill and recommended review by language experts to prevent misinterpretation or misuse.
The sub-committee emphasized that the requested information is essential to ensure the proposed law meets the test of reasonableness under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Members also highlighted the complexity of India’s religious diversity, noting that different communities have distinct beliefs, traditions, and standards of reverence for their sacred texts. Any legislation dealing with religious sentiments must therefore be carefully framed with sensitivity to these differences.
*Government’s Silence Raises Doubts*
The SGPC stated that despite multiple letters and reminders sent to the Punjab Home Department and the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, no response has been received.
The sub-committee concluded that without access to the requested records and clarifications, it is not possible to provide meaningful recommendations on the proposed Bill. It termed the continued denial of information as “unfortunate” and said it raises serious doubts about the intent of the government, suggesting that the consultation process may be merely a formality.