Punjab's sacrilege law solely to ensure strictest punishment, says AAP MP

Chandigarh, July 30 (AHN) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang on Thursday clarified that the Punjab government's law against sacrilege is aimed solely at ensuring the strictest punishment for those who deliberately commit acts of sacrilege and has no intention of interfering in Sikh religious affairs, or the rights of religious institutions.

Kang told the media here that the state government brought the legislation in response to the long-standing demand of the Sikh community for a strong legal framework to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege and ensure that those responsible do not escape punishment.

He said after the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Bill, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, suggested certain amendments.

The state government accepted these suggestions with utmost respect and has already submitted a draft incorporating the proposed changes.

These amendments will be brought before the Assembly in the upcoming session.

Kang said the AAP government deeply "respects Sri Akal Takht Sahib and all Sikh religious institutions. Our objective has never been to interfere in Sikh religious affairs. The sole purpose of this law is to ensure that anyone who intentionally commits sacrilege faces the strictest legal punishment".

Clarifying concerns regarding the terminology used in the Bill, the AAP MP said the state government would amend the legislation to explicitly include the revered terms used for Guru Granth Sahib, including Bir and Saroop, in accordance with Sikh traditions.

He also clarified the definition of "custodian", saying it does not refer to ownership but to a sevadar or caretaker entrusted with the service and protection of the holy Saroop.

The term includes any individual, institution, dera, or gurdwara committee responsible for the care of Guru Granth Sahib.

Kang has said that custodians or sevadars will not be presumed guilty merely because an unfortunate incident has occurred.

"If an incident takes place due to an unintentional mistake, technical lapse, or without any criminal intent, the penal provisions of the Act will not apply."

He clarified that no custodian can be arrested immediately after a complaint.