The Punjab Assembly has unanimously approved a new Bill that imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 25 lakh, for any acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a special session aimed at reinforcing the existing law from 2008.

Mann remarked that this legislation is intended to act as a robust deterrent against sacrilegious acts. He clarified that the Bill only requires the assent of the Governor, not the President, for it to be enacted.

Detailed Penal Provisions Outlined

The newly passed Bill stipulates prison sentences ranging from seven to 20 years for acts of desecration against the Guru Granth Sahib, along with monetary fines that range from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. In cases where there is a criminal conspiracy aimed at inciting communal discord, the punishment can extend from 10 years to life imprisonment, accompanied by fines between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.

Additionally, attempts to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib are punishable by three to five years in prison and fines from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Notably, the law broadly defines sacrilege as any intentional act that causes damage, defacement, burning, tearing, theft, or any spoken, written, symbolic, or electronic expression that offends the sentiments of followers.

Enforcement and Database Management

The Bill requires that investigations into sacrilege cases be overseen by police officials at least of the rank of deputy superintendent or assistant commissioner. Furthermore, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been tasked with developing and maintaining a central register of all ‘Saroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib.

This comprehensive database will include information such as unique identification numbers, details regarding printing and distribution, and storage locations. It will also track the custodians responsible for each ‘Saroop’. Custodians must comply with regulations to ensure proper handling, and violations can lead to penalties that include up to five years in jail and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.

Broad support was evident as various political parties rallied behind the Bill. However, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa called for more clarity on the consultation process involving constitutional experts. He also expressed concerns about the delivery of justice in previous sacrilege incidents, citing events from 2015 and the resulting turmoil.

Background and Historical Context

The issue of sacrilege has been particularly sensitive in Punjab, with ongoing calls for stronger legal measures. Previous efforts to pass more rigorous laws by both the SAD-BJP alliance in 2016 and the Congress-led government in 2018 were stalled, failing to receive necessary presidential approval.

The Punjab government has contended that the current legal framework under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita does not sufficiently address the complexities of sacrilege incidents. This amendment aims to fill that legislative void by implementing stricter penalties focused on the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Through these legislative changes, the Punjab Assembly intends to send a clear message about the seriousness of offences against the Guru Granth Sahib, reflecting the deep-seated cultural and religious values of the Sikh community.

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