Chandigarh, April 19: The legal framework for addressing sacrilege in Punjab has been significantly strengthened following the Governor’s approval of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill, which was passed unanimously by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, received final clearance from Governor Gulab Chand Kataria last week, bypassing the need for presidential assent as it pertains to a state-level act.
The revised law targets both physical acts of desecration and the dissemination of disrespectful material. Harbhajan Singh ETO and other government representatives previously stated that the legislation aims to deter future incidents through strict punitive measures. Convicted individuals will now face a minimum of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment depending on the severity of the crime.
I extend my gratitude to the entire Sikh sangat for supporting me, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared while sharing the news of the Governor’s assent. He maintained that the new law provides a necessary shield for religious honors and reflects the collective will of the people of Punjab.
Beyond incarceration, the act empowers the state to impose heavy fines up to Rs 25 lakh and seize the properties of those convicted. It also reinforces the SGPC’s role as the sole authority for printing the Guru Granth Sahib, requiring the organization to digitize and safeguard all publishing records. The state government affirmed that these amendments are designed to ensure accountability at every level, from the investigative process led by senior police officials to the final judicial outcome.
