Debate grows over new anti-sacrilege law

Amritsar: The recently enacted law concerning the sanctity and handling of the Guru Granth Sahib – Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act – has sparked a debate within the Sikh circles, with critics questioning both govt intervention and the response of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur strongly criticised the committee's stance on the issue of alleged govt control over the publication of the Guru Granth Sahib.In a social media post on Monday, Kiranjot Kaur said she expected the SGPC to oppose any such move, but alleged that the Sikh body instead "followed the crowd" and supported provisions seeking life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25 lakh for those accused of sacrilege.She feared that the law could, in the long run, create distance between the Sikh community and the Guru Granth Sahib and termed the development as a "significant step" towards what a "shift from an independent Sikh identity to a subjugated mindset".Kiranjot also criticised those who, according to her, ignored the Panth and allowed the Guru Granth Sahib to be brought under the ambit of law, stating that "history will judge them harshly".Expressing anguish over the issue, she said it was a matter of "deep regret".Notably, the legislation, cleared after formal govt approval, introduces stringent penalties, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for acts deemed as sacrilege against the holy Sikh scriptures.While the law has been projected by the govt as a strong deterrent against desecration, a section of the Sikh intelligentsia and Panthic observers see it as an unprecedented expansion of the state control into religious affairs.President of the Sikh Youth Federation Bhinderanwala, Ranjit Singh, questioned, "Will the Punjab govt and police enforce this law strictly? Will incidents of sacrilege actually stop? Are there hidden loopholes? Is this a move to pacify public anger and dismantle ongoing protests? Will the govt act against the larger networks behind such acts, or just punish individuals?"Ranjit Singh alleged that the law might soon dispel illusions and reveal the govt's true intention, adding that if there was genuine political will, even existing laws could have ensured strict punishment for the guilty.MSID:: 130391232 413 |
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