2 min readAmritsarApr 23, 2026 11:13 AM ISTDr Manjit Singh Randhawa addressing a meet. (Courtesy: Special Arrangement)Terming the anti-sacrilege law passed earlier this month as “contemptuous circumvention of Supreme Court judgement”, two Amritsar-based Sikh groups recently announced that they will file a contempt plea in the top court against the Punjab government to get the “juristic person” status of Sri Guru Granth Sahib implemented.Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa, convener of Guru-Adab Morcha, Sirhind, and president of Lok-Raj Punjab, stated, “We have decided to file a contempt plea in the Supreme Court… Till date, the Punjab Government has connived with the culprits of sacrilege cases. It miserably failed to do justice in the 2015 Bargari sacrilege case…”He described the Punjab Government as a “propaganda government” with intentions that remain “not clear and bona fide”.“Prosecution sanction had been delayed for the Dera Chief in sacrilege incidents involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Accused Honeypreet was not arrested. Cases have been transferred out of Punjab for the culprits’ convenience. Now suddenly, the orchestrated propaganda has shifted from ‘failure of delivery of justice’ to mere ‘enactment of strict law,’ when law and order situation is pitiably hopeless to justice with already existing laws,” Randhawa added.The new Act shifts responsibilities to devotees and gurdwara committees as “custodians” without defining the “self-defence rights of devotees/custodians” to protect “Pargat Guran ki Deh (Sri Guru Granth Sahib as embodiment of the 10 Sikh Gurus),” Randhawa said.Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Guru Granth SahibAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...