Chandigarh, April 18
Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said a bill proposing tougher punishment for acts of sacrilege has been sent to the state’s Governor for approval. In a message posted on social media, Mann said the legislation, passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly, has been forwarded to Gulab Chand Kataria for assent. The proposed law seeks stricter penalties for any act of disrespect towards the Guru Granth Sahib, including life imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 25 lakh.
The bill – titled the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – was introduced during a special session of the assembly. After its passage, Mann thanked lawmakers across party lines, saying the measure reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding religious sentiments. He described the legislation as a “strong deterrent” against sacrilege, an issue that has sparked public anger and unrest in Punjab in the past.
The Chief Minister also clarified that the bill does not require the president’s approval and only requires the Governor’s assent to become law. Earlier, the state government had argued that existing provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita do not prescribe sufficiently harsh punishment for such offences.
For many in Punjab, where the Guru Granth Sahib holds deep spiritual significance, the move is likely to resonate beyond politics, touching on questions of faith, respect and justice.
