Beadbi (sacrilege) incidents remain a highly sensitive and serious issue in Punjab. Given the evolving regional and global landscape, any internal unrest or large-scale agitation in Punjab can have far-reaching regional and geopolitical consequences, owing to the state’s unique strategic significance.
Since 2015, a series of related incidents—starting from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala (June 2015), followed by events at Bargari, Malke, Gurusar Jalal, and the police firings at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan (October 2015)—have deeply politicized the issue of Beadbi. These events have turned it into an emotionally charged political matter in Punjab. The failure of state institutions to identify and punish the culprits has created a widespread perception that the absence of strict penalties has emboldened repeat offenses.
In this context, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Bhagwant Mann government has introduced a new bill in the Punjab Legislative Assembly—The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025—which has now been referred to a select committee for further review and recommendations. While the ruling party presents this move as a strong and decisive step, opposition parties have dismissed it as a mere political stunt.
Previously, Sikh Siyasat interviewed Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur of Panjaab Lawyers to explore the legal dimensions of the proposed legislation. In this follow-up, journalist Mandeep Singh engages with Bhai Malkeet Singh Bhawanigarh of Sikh Jatha Malwa to discuss the Sikh perspective—especially through the lens of the Khalsa tradition of Satikar (respect) or Adab towards Guru Granth Sahib.
Bhai Malkeet Singh has been actively involved in addressing cases of Beadbi from a Sikh grassroots perspective. He also authored a two-part investigative report on the Jollian Beadbi incident, critically examining the role of the police, local Gurdwara committee, Sikh organizations, and the SGPC.
Watch or listen to this important conversation—and don’t forget to share it with others.
