Chandigarh, March 21: To strengthen the state’s legal stance against religious desecration, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called for a special session of the Punjab Assembly on April 13. The Chief Minister affirmed on Saturday that this session will focus on enacting a strict law designed to provide exemplary punishment for the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other holy texts.
The Chief Minister stated that the drafting process will involve extensive consultations with the Sant Samaj, Nirmala sects, and Udasi sects to ensure the legislation reflects the community’s values. He declared that the state is working with full sincerity to prevent such incidents and that no one found guilty will be spared. According to the Chief Minister, the new legal measures will be among the toughest in the country, covering both physical and digital acts of sacrilege.
During the meeting in Amritsar, Mann asserted that the state government is committed to protecting religious harmony. He stated that the administration is also taking steps to engage with protesters, specifically mentioning plans to invite Gurjeet Singh Khalsa to the Assembly. The Chief Minister maintained that the goal is to create a legal deterrent so strong that it prevents any future attempts at creating communal discord.
Representatives of various religious groups affirmed their support for the government’s initiatives, including the commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. They stated that the inclusion of legal experts in the drafting process will help create a law that can withstand judicial scrutiny while delivering swift justice.
The Chief Minister concluded by noting that the state is dedicated to honoring the religious heritage of Punjab. He affirmed that the transition toward a more secure and respectful environment for all faiths is a top priority for the current administration.
