The sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib in 2015 remains one of the most sensitive and politically charged episodes in Punjab’s recent history. The events, which began with the theft and desecration of Sikhism’s holiest scripture, led to widespread protests, police violence, political fallout, and years of investigations that continue to shape the state’s political landscape. The crisis began in June 2015 with the theft of a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib from a gurdwara in Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, Faridkot district. The situation escalated on October 12, when over 110 torn pages (Angs) of the holy book were discovered in Bargari, sparking outrage across Punjab. Protests erupted, particularly in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, where demonstrators demanded justice and the arrest of the culprits. Police responded with force, including lathi charges and firing, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries.
In the immediate aftermath, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government faced intense criticism. Then Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced a reward for information on the perpetrators and withdrew charges against protesters. The Punjab Cabinet passed a bill introducing Section 295aa to the Indian Penal Code, proposing life imprisonment for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. However, the central government returned the bill, citing concerns over secularism and suggesting that any such law should encompass all religions.
The 2015 sacrilege incidents have left an indelible mark on Punjab’s socio-political fabric, highlighting the deep interconnections between religion, politics, and law enforcement in the state. The pursuit of justice remains a central concern for the Sikh community and continues to shape the region’s political dynamics.
In the lead-up to the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections, Congress leader Amarinder Singh took an oath on the ‘Gutka Sahib’ (a Sikh religious text), promising to bring the perpetrators of the sacrilege and subsequent police firing to justice. Despite this, progress was slow, leading to internal dissent within the Congress party and public dissatisfaction.In 2018, the Congress-led Punjab government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incidents. The SIT’s charge sheet implicated several high-profile individuals, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, alleging a conspiracy behind the police firing on protesters. Additionally, the Ranjit Singh Commission’s report indicted former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, stating he was aware of the police’s plans to disperse protesters forcibly.
In September 2021, newly appointed Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi assured the public that his government would ensure justice in the sacrilege cases. Accompanied by state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and other leaders, Channi visited the Golden Temple to seek blessings and reaffirm his commitment to justice. In December 2023, SAD president and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal publicly apologised for his government’s failure to apprehend those responsible for the sacrilege incidents. Speaking at the 103rd Foundation Day of Akali Dal, Badal sought forgiveness from the Sikh community for the heinous acts that occurred during his tenure.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which came to power in Punjab in 2022, has made delivering justice in the 2015 sacrilege cases a central promise. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has emphasised his government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable. The state government has filed a comprehensive 7,000-page charge sheet in the Kotkapura police firing case, naming the masterminds involved.Furthermore, Mann’s administration has written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, advocating for stringent punishment for individuals found guilty of sacrilege of any religious scriptures. The Chief Minister has also highlighted that significant progress has been made in the investigations, with major clues uncovered. A fresh report is being prepared to ensure a watertight case, aiming to prevent any legal loopholes that could allow the guilty to escape punishment.Mann has criticised previous governments for their lax approach towards the sacrilege incidents, asserting that his administration is committed to delivering justice and restoring faith among the Sikh community. He has stated, “It’s not just a guarantee, but our responsibility,” emphasising the government’s duty to ensure that criminals face exemplary punishment.As of 2025, the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has reiterated its commitment to delivering justice in the sacrilege cases. New evidence has been gathered, and fresh reports are being prepared to ensure comprehensive legal action against those responsible. The issue continues to influence Punjab’s political discourse, with opposition parties accusing the government of politicising the matter, while the ruling party emphasizes accountability and justice.