Punjab Assembly Passes Stricter Anti-Sacrilege Bill for Guru Granth Sahib
Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege Bill: Life Imprisonment To Fines For Desecration Of Guru Granth Sahib Explained
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On April 13, 2026, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing severe penalties for desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. The law includes imprisonment from 10 years to life and fines between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh to deter sacrilege and maintain communal harmony.
- 01The bill imposes life imprisonment and heavy fines for desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- 02It includes provisions for conspiracy and attempts at sacrilege, with penalties ranging from 3 to 5 years in jail.
- 03The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee will monitor sacrilege cases.
- 04Critics argue the life imprisonment clause may be unconstitutional and fear potential misuse.
- 05The amendment follows rising incidents of sacrilege and aims to strengthen existing laws.
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The Punjab Assembly passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on April 13, 2026, to combat sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The legislation introduces severe penalties, including imprisonment from 10 years to life and fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh (approximately $6,000 to $30,000 USD). It aims to deter acts of desecration and preserve communal harmony in Punjab. The law also addresses conspiracy and attempts at sacrilege, with penalties of 3 to 5 years in jail and fines up to ₹3 lakh (around $3,600 USD). Investigations will be led by police officers of at least the rank of Deputy Superintendent. Despite broad support, critics express concerns over the constitutionality of life sentences and the vague definition of sacrilege, fearing it could lead to the persecution of innocent individuals and vigilante actions based on unverified claims. This amendment follows earlier attempts to legislate against sacrilege, which faced legal hurdles.
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This law aims to protect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and maintain peace in Punjab, potentially affecting how sacrilege cases are handled.
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