New Anti-Sacrilege Law in Punjab Raises Concerns Among Devotees
New anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves devotees with scriptures at home in a bind
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Punjab's new anti-sacrilege law, enacted on April 20, 2026, imposes severe penalties for mishandling Sikh scriptures, causing anxiety among devotees. Many are surrendering their copies of the Guru Granth Sahib and Gutka Sahibs to gurdwaras to avoid legal repercussions, impacting daily prayers and religious practices.
- 01The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, imposes strict penalties for sacrilege against Sikh scriptures.
- 02Devotees are increasingly surrendering their scriptures to gurdwaras due to fear of legal action.
- 03The law has created an atmosphere of anxiety, affecting daily prayers and religious practices.
- 04Concerns have been raised about the impact on religious research and academic studies.
- 05Community gurdwara committees are hesitant to lend scriptures to locals for fear of legal consequences.
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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.
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The law has created a climate of fear among devotees, leading to changes in how they practice their faith and handle scriptures.
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