Chandigarh, April 20
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Bill 2026, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Sunday, bringing into force stricter legal provisions to deal with the sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib in the state. The Bill, which was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13, introduces enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 25 lakh for serious offences related to sacrilege. The legislation is aimed at strengthening legal safeguards for the sanctity of the Sikh holy scripture.
Mann said the approval of the Bill marks an important step in addressing long-standing concerns over incidents of sacrilege. He expressed gratitude after the governor’s assent and said the move reflects the community’s sentiments.
According to the provisions, a person found guilty of committing sacrilege can face a minimum of seven years imprisonment, extendable up to 20 years, along with fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. In cases involving conspiracy to disturb peace or communal harmony, the punishment may range from 10 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, with fines of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
The law also covers attempts to commit such offences, prescribing imprisonment of three to five years, along with fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Sacrilege has been defined as any deliberate act intended to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib through physical damage, defacement, burning, tearing, theft, or through words, signs, or electronic means that hurt religious sentiments.
Investigations under the Act will be conducted by police officers not below the rank of deputy superintendent of police or assistant commissioner of police. The legislation also assigns the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee the responsibility of maintaining a central record of printing, storage and distribution of the Guru Granth Sahib in both physical and electronic formats.
The issue of sacrilege has remained sensitive in Punjab, with repeated demands for stricter punishment. The state government had convened a special session of the Assembly to pass the amendment in response to these concerns.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar also supported the step and called for broader legal measures to protect all religious texts. The enactment of the amended law is expected to strengthen legal action against sacrilege in Punjab, with attention now shifting to its enforcement and its role in maintaining communal harmony and public confidence.
Reacting to the development, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said the law addresses the community’s demands. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the move sends a strong message against such offences. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa welcomed the assent but emphasised the need for effective implementation.
