The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, enacted by the Punjab government on April 20, has left many Sikh devotees anxious about the handling of their scriptures, including the Guru Granth Sahib and Gutka Sahibs. The law stipulates severe punishments for sacrilege, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD). In response, numerous devotees are choosing to surrender their scriptures to gurdwara managements, fearing unintentional lapses could lead to legal repercussions. Community leaders, such as Swaranjit Singh from Gurdwara Hargobindpura, noted that this fear has led to a mass surrender of 452 Gutka Sahibs and Pothis in Sangrur district alone. Furthermore, the law has made gurdwara committees reluctant to lend scriptures for personal prayers, as they could be held responsible for any sacrilege. Scholars have also expressed concerns that the law may hinder religious research, as academics are now wary of marking texts for study. Overall, the new legislation has significantly impacted the spiritual practices of the Sikh community in Punjab.