Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a ‘Juristic Guru’, not just scripture: MLA Rana Inder Partap calls for stricter punishment in Sacrilege Bill
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 15, 2025 – Independent MLA from Sultanpur Lodhi, Rana Inder Partap Singh, on Tuesday made a strong pitch for amending the proposed Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, urging that Sri Guru Granth Sahib should not be referred to merely as a holy scripture, but as a “Juristic Guru”—a status legally and theologically acknowledged within the Sikh faith.
Participating in the ongoing debate in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, the legislator stressed that the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which began in 2015, remains unpunished to this day, despite multiple governments having come and gone.
He appealed to all members of the House to ensure that the bill is made legally airtight and spiritually appropriate.
“Guru Granth Sahib is not just scripture—it is our Juristic Guru,” said Rana Inder Partap, referring to a Supreme Court judgment from March 2000 (Som Nath vs SGPC), which legally recognised the living and spiritual authority of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “We must reflect that sanctity in our laws.”
Rana Inder Partap Singh also called for a stricter punishment for sacrilege-related offences. While the current bill proposes a 10-year prison sentence, the MLA demanded life imprisonment for those convicted of desecrating Guru Granth Sahib Ji or any other sacred text.
“This House must not leave any legal loophole or ambiguity. If shortcomings exist—intentional or unintentional—they must be rectified before the law is enacted,” he emphasized.
“We need a law that is not only meaningful but also enforceable in a court of law.”
The legislator clarified that he was not questioning the intent of any member of the House but was urging for a united and comprehensive approach to ensure justice and deterrence.
His intervention comes amid growing discussions over the referral of the sacrilege bill to a Select Committee for further consultation and refinement.Singh stressed that the final version of the law must clearly define the status of Guru Granth Sahib and ensure robust protection against sacrilege.