Punjab Assembly Amends 2008 Act, Introduces Strict Penalties For Sacrilege
Punjab Assembly passes law imposing strict punishment, including life term, for Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege.
The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed the “Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sataar Amendment Bill, 2026,” introducing stringent penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
The amended law mandates a minimum imprisonment of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, for individuals found guilty of desecrating the Sikh holy scripture. It also prescribes a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh, which may extend up to ₹25 lakh. The move marks a significant shift from the original 2008 Act, which primarily focused on regulating the printing and maintenance of the scripture and did not include specific provisions addressing sacrilege.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann tabled the bill during a special session of the Assembly, triggering a detailed debate among members across party lines. The legislation aims to fill legal gaps by explicitly criminalising acts of desecration, which earlier carried a maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment and a ₹50,000 fine under procedural violations.
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Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns over whether the bill would secure the necessary assent, citing past instances where similar legislation passed by the Assembly failed to receive approval from the President. Previous attempts in 2016 and 2018 to amend the Indian Penal Code to include stricter penalties for sacrilege did not materialise into law.
Responding to these concerns, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema argued that the current bill differs from earlier efforts as it amends an existing state law rather than proposing changes to central legislation. He expressed confidence that the amendment would receive the Governor’s assent, noting that similar laws exist in other states.
During the debate, the government also addressed questions regarding a broader pending proposal, the “Punjab Bill Against Crimes Committed Against Holy Religious Texts, 2025,” which seeks to cover all faiths. Minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar stated that a committee reviewing the bill has received hundreds of suggestions and is consulting religious experts, with a report expected to guide future legislation.
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