AAP’s letter to Akal Takht to stop sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, defends law amendment

The letter was submitted before Sri Akal Takht Sahib by Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and Cabinet Ministers. It has been said in the letter that in 2007, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had demanded the Punjab government to make a special law to stop the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. After this, “Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008” was enacted in 2008.

It has been said in the letter that now the Punjab Government has made it more stringent by amending this law. It was said in the letter that the government’s intention is to stop the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and to give strict punishment to the culprits. AAP leaders said in the letter that the law was not made to hurt the sentiments of any religious institution. They appealed to the Akal Takht to listen to the government’s side and give suggestions.

CM Bhagwant was not summoned personally

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not summoned personally, but he has said in the letter that he will send his written explanation and his stand on the alleged controversial video. It was said in the letter that the aim of the government is only to stop the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to give strict punishment to the culprits. The law was not made to interfere with the rights of any religious institution.

The AAP MLAs wrote that they accept the supreme religious dignity and respect of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. If there is any lacuna or confusion in the law, suggestions from Akal Takht will be welcomed.

It was said in the letter that in view of the continuous incidents of sacrilege in Punjab and the pain of non-punishment of the culprits, the government made this amendment law. The government wants that such incidents should be effectively stopped in future. It was said in the letter that this law has been brought not for political gain but for the purpose of protecting religious sentiments. The letter said that if Shri Akal Takht or Sikh scholars suggest amendments or improvements in the law, then the government is ready to consider those suggestions.