Should Hindu Temples Be Part of the Sacrilege Bill in Punjab?
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Synopsis
As the Punjab Assembly prepares for a special session on the Sacrilege Bill, BJP's Tarun Chugh insists on including Hindu temples and idols. This demand reflects ongoing concerns over religious respect and justice in the region, underscoring a complex political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Hindu temples and idols should be included in the Sacrilege Bill.
- Recent incidents have raised concerns over religious respect.
- The Punjab Assembly is set to meet on July 10 and 11.
- The bill aims to prevent future sacrilege incidents.
- The BJP emphasizes the need for equal respect for all religious symbols.
Chandigarh, July 6 (NationPress) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday asserted that Hindu temples and idols must be included in the upcoming Sacrilege Bill, with a special assembly session convened on July 10 and 11 to discuss it.
Chugh expressed disappointment that the bill is being introduced by the Bhagwant Mann government after a delay of over three years since its promise in the election manifesto.
“However, it’s better late than never,” he remarked, emphasizing that the bill should encompass “Pran Pratishthit” Hindu temples in Punjab.
He pointed out that there have been multiple recent incidents targeting Hindu temples.
Chugh noted that the BJP holds Guru Granth Sahib in high regard and supports the bill, but insists that Hindu idols deserve equal respect.
In the meantime, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has announced that the Legislative Assembly, which had been adjourned sine die on May 5, will reconvene at 11 am on July 10 under the second proviso to Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
A government spokesperson stated that the new law on sacrilege aims to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
“There has been a longstanding demand for legislation against sacrilege in Punjab. The Mann government is committed to addressing the public's concerns,” the spokesperson said.
The incident of sacrilege involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib that drew national attention occurred in Behbal Kalan village, Faridkot district, in 2015, which led to police violence against protesters that resulted in two fatalities, a topic that the Congress highlighted against the SAD-BJP government during the 2017 Assembly elections.
Even during the 2022 elections, in which the current government assumed power, incidents persisted, leading to criticism of successive governments for their inability to deliver justice.
Prior to the last assembly elections, Justice Ranjit Singh (retd), who headed the inquiry into the alleged sacrilege incidents and subsequent police actions, criticized then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, and former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini.
He also condemned the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, whose leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and a life term for a journalist's murder, for its involvement in sacrilege incidents.
Point of View
The inclusion of Hindu temples and idols in the Sacrilege Bill represents a significant step towards ensuring equal respect for all religious sites in Punjab. The ongoing dialogue reflects the need for inclusivity and justice, resonating with the broader call for religious harmony in the country.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sacrilege Bill?
The Sacrilege Bill is proposed legislation aimed at preventing acts of disrespect towards religious symbols and sites in Punjab.
Why is the inclusion of Hindu temples important?
Including Hindu temples in the bill ensures that all religious sites receive equal protection and respect, addressing long-standing grievances.
When will the Punjab Assembly discuss the bill?
The special session of the Punjab Assembly to discuss the Sacrilege Bill is scheduled for July 10 and 11.
What incidents led to the demand for this bill?
Multiple incidents of sacrilege targeting Hindu temples in recent years have prompted calls for legislative action.
How has this issue affected Punjab's political landscape?
The issue of sacrilege has been a significant point of contention in Punjab politics, affecting public sentiment and electoral outcomes.
