Anti-Sacrilege Bill: Sukhpal Khaira flags concern over case transfers outside Punjab, seeks SGPC consultation; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 13, 2026: Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira raised serious concerns during the debate on the anti-sacrilege bill in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, questioning the legal handling of key cases and the lack of consultation with Sikh institutions.
While extending support to the proposed legislation, Khaira criticised the transfer of major sacrilege and firing-related cases outside Punjab.
He informed the House that five significant cases—including the Bargari sacrilege incident and the Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing cases—have been moved out of the state.
He questioned the delay in the Punjab government’s response, stating that it took nearly eight months to approach the Supreme Court after the High Court ordered the transfer of cases. He also pointed out that as recently as April 10, another important case had been shifted outside Punjab, calling it a matter of concern.
Khaira further raised the issue of not consulting the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee while drafting the bill.
He emphasised that the SGPC, being a statutory body representing Sikh religious affairs, should have been involved in shaping legislation on such a sensitive issue.
He also cautioned that increasing punishments to life imprisonment could potentially lead to legal conflicts with central laws, expressing apprehension that the bill might face the same hurdles as previous attempts.
Responding to the concerns, the government clarified that the new law cannot be applied retrospectively to cases that are already under judicial consideration. Officials stated that pending cases would continue to be decided by the courts.
The government also assured that cases involving life imprisonment provisions are typically fast-tracked, which would help in ensuring timely justice.