Punjab Assembly Speaker Delivers Anti-Sacrilege Bill to Protesters in Samana
In a significant gesture, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday personally handed over a copy of the recently passed Jaagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to protesters gathered at Samana town in Patiala. This move came just one day after the Punjab assembly cleared the legislation, which aims to establish stricter penalties for sacrilege offenses.
Protesters Hail Bill as "Commendable and Welcome Step"
The announcement was met with enthusiastic slogans from the stage, with the assembled protesters terming the passage of the bill a "commendable and welcome step." The gathering, which has been demanding a more robust anti-sacrilege law, expressed their approval as Sandhwan fulfilled his earlier assurance to present the legislation to activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa and the Sangat (community).
Speaker Appeals for Public Interest and Highlights Government Commitment
Addressing the crowd, Speaker Sandhwan emphasized that fulfilling promises was only possible with the blessings of the Guru. He appealed to Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has been stationed atop a tower as part of the protest, to come down in the larger public interest. Sandhwan praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for honoring his commitment by ensuring the bill's passage in the assembly.
"The government will continue its efforts until the bill receives the governor's assent and is enacted," Sandhwan asserted. He expressed confidence in the governor's approval, stating that the bill had been drafted thoroughly with no shortcomings, and is more stringent than public expectations.
Cross-Party Collaboration and Legislative Strengths
In response to queries, Sandhwan revealed that, in line with the chief minister's statement, the government is prepared to approach the governor collectively with all opposition parties to expedite the bill's approval. He assured that there would be no delays at the official level. The speaker also commended Gurjeet Singh Khalsa for his devotion, urging everyone to imbibe similar love for the Guru.
Sandhwan contrasted the new legislation with previous laws on sacrilege, claiming that while earlier governments introduced measures, those had deficiencies. "The new bill is more stringent and should not be politicized," he emphasized, highlighting its comprehensive nature.
Local MLA Acknowledges Protest Role and Seeks Forgiveness
AAP MLA from Samana, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, described April 13 as a significant day, acknowledging the crucial role played by the Samana tower morcha (protest) in the bill's passage. He also sought forgiveness for any past shortcomings or inadvertent mistakes on his part or the administration's, reflecting a conciliatory tone amid the legislative progress.
The event underscores the ongoing efforts in Punjab to address sacrilege concerns through legislative action, with key political figures engaging directly with community protesters to foster transparency and trust.
