Punjab Passes Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill for Free Telecast of Gurbani

Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, ensuring the free telecast of ‘Gurbani’ from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This bill eliminates tender requirements, making ‘Gurbani’ accessible to all. Gurbani refers to compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of Guru Granth Sahib.

To achieve this, the Punjab Cabinet approved an amendment to the British-era Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925. This amendment guarantees the free-to-air telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple, breaking the monopoly of a television channel owned by the Badal family, who are associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduces Section 125A into the existing act. It places the responsibility on the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to ensure the live telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple, free of cost. Currently, Gurbani is broadcast through a private channel called PTC.

The move faces opposition from the SGPC, arguing that the 1925 Act is a central legislation that can only be amended by Parliament. However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserts that the state government has the authority to amend the act. He cites a Supreme Court ruling regarding a separate gurdwara committee for Haryana.

With this amendment, the Punjab government aims to reduce the influence of certain preachers and promote wider access to the spiritual teachings of Gurbani.