Bir Singh’s dance row may spark stormy debate on anti-sacrilege legislation.
Chandigarh: With the monsoon session of the Punjab Assembly approaching, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government is gearing up to table several key legislations. However, all eyes are on the highly contentious Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025. Recent controversy surrounding singer Bir Singh’s dance performance in Srinagar—held to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur—has further ignited sentiments around sacrilege issues and is expected to intensify discussions in the House.
The anti-sacrilege Bill, which has been referred to a 15-member select committee of MLAs earlier this month, seeks to impose stringent punishments—including 10 years to life imprisonment—on anyone found guilty of desecrating sacred scriptures such as the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, or Bible. The select committee is chaired by AAP MLA and former minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar, with members from Congress, BJP, SAD, and the ruling party. The referral marks the first time in decades that such a committee has been formed in Punjab’s legislative history, previously only seen with the Municipal Bill (1998) and the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill (2002).
The controversy was further fueled by the Srinagar event, where folk instruments and dancing featured in a tribute performance by singer Bir Singh. The performance drew sharp criticism from Sikh quarters. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the event as “against the Sikh maryada” (code of conduct) and demanded accountability from the organisers. Dhami called the incident “deeply painful,” urging the Punjab government to act responsibly and prevent future events that “mock Sikh history under the garb of culture.”
Political analysts say this episode has added emotional weight to the already sensitive proposed legislation, which stems from public outrage after the 2015 sacrilege incidents in Punjab. During a recent public address in Barnala, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reaffirmed his government’s commitment to punishing perpetrators in these cases, accusing previous administrations of shielding culprits. “This Bill will ensure exemplary punishment and act as a deterrent,” he asserted.
The select committee, formed under Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, comprises 10 AAP MLAs and one representative each from Congress, BJP, and SAD. The group has been directed to consult religious leaders, institutions, and the public over the next six months before submitting recommendations.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Cabinet has approved several other proposals for the upcoming session, including:
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Punjab State Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025—aimed at strengthening the state’s anti-corruption framework.
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Punjab Land Pooling (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — formalising recent Cabinet-approved changes, including an annual Rs. 1 lakh compensation for farmers until their pooled land is developed.
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Reforms to the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act — expected to allow more borrowing headroom for the state.
Sources indicate the government may also introduce regulatory changes related to service delivery timelines under the Punjab Right to Services Act, as well as new policies on illegal colonies, mining, and power sector reforms. However, the anti-sacrilege Bill is expected to dominate the session.
While the government argues the law is vital for protecting communal harmony and safeguarding religious texts, opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns about potential misuse, vague definitions, and the need for legal safeguards to prevent arbitrary action.
The monsoon session, scheduled to begin in August, promises a packed agenda. Political experts predict that the emotional charge surrounding sacrilege issues and public demand for justice will set the tone for fiery debates in the Assembly.
