Punjab Assembly passes anti-sacrilege bill with life imprisonment as maximum punishment

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday unanimously passed a new anti-sacrilege bill that proposes strict punishment for acts of beadbi, or sacrilege, against the Guru Granth Sahib. The new law allows punishment up to life imprisonment in the most serious cases.

The bill, called the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed during a special one-day session of the Assembly held on the occasion of Baisakhi. It was introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also handles the home department.

After being passed by voice vote, the bill will now be sent to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for approval. The governor can approve it, return it for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President.

The Punjab government said the amendment aims to create a stronger legal deterrent against deliberate attempts to insult the Sikh holy scripture and disturb communal harmony. The issue of sacrilege has remained highly sensitive in Punjab for many years and has often led to public anger and protests.

Several religious leaders, members of the Sant Samaj, and public representatives were present in the visitors’ gallery during the Assembly proceedings.

Tough punishment and wider legal powers

Under the new bill, anyone found guilty of sacrilege of a saroop (holy copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib can face a jail term of at least seven years, which may extend to 20 years. The person can also be fined between ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh.

In more serious cases involving conspiracy or attempts to create communal tension, the punishment becomes harsher. Such offences may lead to imprisonment of at least 10 years and can extend to life imprisonment. A fine of up to ₹25 lakh has also been proposed.

The bill also says that anyone who helps, encourages, or supports such an offence can receive the same punishment as the main accused. Those who attempt to commit the offence but do not complete it can face imprisonment from three to five years and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.

The proposed law defines sacrilege as any deliberate act meant to insult or desecrate the holy scripture. This includes damaging, burning, tearing, stealing, defacing, or insulting through spoken words, written words, signs, visible representation, or electronic means.

The law also makes offences under this Act cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. This means police can arrest without warrant, bail is harder to obtain, and the case cannot be privately settled between parties.

Such cases will be tried by a sessions court. Investigations must be carried out by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police.

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New system for records and political reactions

The bill also proposes administrative reforms for better protection of the Guru Granth Sahib saroops. It asks the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to maintain a central register of all saroops. Each saroop would get a unique identification number.

The register would include details about printing, storage, distribution, and supply. It must be kept in both physical and digital form and made available on the SGPC website.

The bill also clearly defines the responsibilities of the custodian of a saroop. The person in charge must ensure safe custody and prevent damage, misuse, or disappearance. If any damage or suspected sacrilege takes place, it must be immediately reported to police and concerned authorities.

Speaking in the House, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said earlier governments failed to bring effective laws or justice in sacrilege cases. He claimed the new amendment removes loopholes and creates the strongest possible legal framework. He also said no fresh law would be needed after this because it covers all major concerns.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said his party supports the bill but questioned delays in solving past sacrilege cases, especially incidents linked to 2015. He asked the government what progress had been made in investigations and action against those responsible.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said many sacrilege cases had occurred in Punjab and people were still waiting for justice. Another MLA, Pargat Singh, raised concerns over changing the original nature of the 2008 law.

The issue of sacrilege became especially serious after incidents in 2015 involving theft and torn pages of the Guru Granth Sahib in Faridkot district. Those events led to major protests and police firing at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura, where lives were lost.

The new bill is likely to be closely watched across Punjab, where respect for the Guru Granth Sahib holds deep religious and emotional importance. Supporters believe stricter punishment may prevent future incidents, while critics say justice in old cases remains equally important.

Once the governor gives assent, the bill will become law. Until then, public and political attention remains focused on whether this measure can finally address one of Punjab’s most sensitive issues.