A case that had been lying dormant for nearly nine and a half years in Punjab’s political landscape has now been reopened by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government. The mysterious disappearance of 328 sacred copies of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, first uncovered in 2016, saw no FIR filed during the tenures of three previous chief ministers—Prakash Singh Badal, Captain Amarinder Singh, and Charanjit Singh Channi. The case remained buried in files. Now, for the first time, CM Bhagwant Mann has initiated legal action by registering an FIR against 16 SGPC employees. This move honors religious sentiments and marks a historic step towards restoring public trust in Punjab’s justice system.
This is not merely an administrative lapse but a sensitive issue deeply connected to the faith of millions of Sikhs. The unrecorded disappearance and irregular distribution of the 328 holy copies of Shri Guru Granth Sahib have been a matter of deep pain for the Sikh community. Initially, 267 copies were reported missing in 2016 after an internal audit following a senior SGPC official’s retirement. In 2020, a special Akal Takht investigation increased this number to 328, with at least 186 copies released without official permission—an alarming religious and administrative violation.
Silence under Badal, Neglect during Captain’s Term
When the case surfaced under Prakash Singh Badal’s government in 2016, SGPC was accused of trying to suppress it. Despite talks of internal inquiry, no police action or accountability followed. Captain Amarinder Singh’s 2017 government saw protests and demands by Sikh organizations for a police investigation, but the matter remained untouched legally. Though SGPC acknowledged irregularities, FIRs were avoided, reflecting political unwillingness to act.
Channi’s Short Tenure, Lingering Questions
Charanjit Singh Channi’s brief tenure in 2021 rekindled hopes but failed to bring concrete action due to political instability and election pressures. Accusations of protecting culprits surfaced, yet no accountability was established. Over three chief ministers’ rule, promises remained unfulfilled as public and Sikh community awaited justice.
Mann Government’s Bold Move: First FIR Filed
With the Aam Aadmi Party government’s rise in 2022 and Bhagwant Mann becoming the CM, Sikh groups renewed demands for justice. The Mann government took the case seriously, reopening files and consulting legal experts. After nearly three and a half years of thorough investigation, the first FIR was registered in 2025 naming 16 SGPC employees accused of unauthorized distribution and record tampering. This is the first legal action in nearly a decade, reflecting Mann’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Focus Now on Police Investigation
All eyes are now on when police will summon the 16 named employees and how the inquiry will unfold. Experts believe interrogations may reveal whether larger networks or senior SGPC officials directed the distribution. If evidence of corruption, pressure, or collusion emerges, the probe could shake Punjab’s political establishment as well. The Mann government has vowed no one will be spared regardless of status.
Religious Groups and Public Applaud
Sikh organizations have welcomed Mann’s move, calling it courageous and historic. A spokesperson from an Amritsar religious group said, “After 9.5 years, justice has finally begun. This government respects Sikh faith and is fearless.” Social media is abuzz, praising Mann’s transparency and criticizing earlier governments’ inaction. A tweet noted, “Three CMs changed, no FIR filed. Bhagwant Mann proves that willpower brings justice.” Public sentiment shows a strong demand for truth and accountability.
Punjab Government’s Commitment to Justice
CM Mann stated, “Our government will not tolerate any negligence in matters of faith. Previous governments ignored this, but we prioritized it from day one. The investigation will be fair, and guilty parties punished.” The government pledges full transparency and accountability at all levels, signaling a strict stance against corruption and irregularities. Punjab’s people voted for honest governance, and Mann’s administration is fulfilling that promise.
A New Beginning and Strong Message
This FIR, filed after 9.5 years, is a landmark moment in Punjab’s history. It honors Sikh faith and shows Mann’s government will not yield to pressure but stand firm for truth and justice. What was once confined to files under three CMs has now entered the legal realm, opening new chapters. Depending on investigation outcomes, many senior SGPC and political figures could come under scrutiny. Mann has proved that with determination, even long-pending complex issues can be resolved. This step strengthens public trust and brings much-needed transparency to Punjab’s justice system.
