The law prescribes punishment ranging from five years imprisonment to life term, depending on the nature and intent of the crime.

In a landmark move aimed at addressing long-standing public concerns over incidents of sacrilege, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing some of the country’s strictest punishments for beadbi cases, including life imprisonment in the gravest offences.

The legislation, brought during a special session of the Assembly under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is being seen as a major step towards strengthening legal protection for the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and maintaining communal harmony in the state.

With the passage of the amended law, Punjab has now created a stronger legal framework that includes non-bailable provisions, time-bound investigations, strict financial penalties and equal punishment for those aiding or conspiring in sacrilege-related offences. The law prescribes punishment ranging from five years imprisonment to life term, depending on the nature and intent of the crime.

Under the amended provisions, violations related to handling or protection of the holy scripture can attract imprisonment up to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. Cases involving desecration may lead to jail terms between seven and 20 years, while incidents aimed at disturbing communal harmony can invite punishment from 10 years to life imprisonment along with fines reaching Rs 25 lakh. Attempting such offences or assisting the accused has also been brought under strict legal scrutiny.

The Punjab government projected the legislation as a corrective step after years of political debate over sacrilege incidents in Punjab. The Chief Minister maintained that previous governments failed to close loopholes in earlier drafts of anti-sacrilege laws, which prevented effective implementation despite repeated attempts in the Assembly over the years.

Political observers see the development as part of the AAP government’s broader attempt to fulfil commitments made before coming to power regarding justice, accountability and protection of Punjab’s religious sentiments. Since assuming office, the government has repeatedly highlighted measures linked to Sikh heritage and religious respect, including tax exemptions on specially designed vehicles carrying Palki Sahib during religious processions.

During the Assembly discussion, CM Bhagwant Mann stressed that Punjab’s social fabric and communal peace must remain protected at all costs. He described Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a symbol of universal brotherhood, equality and humanity, adding that strict legal deterrence was necessary to prevent future incidents.

The amended law also introduces the definition of “custodian,” making caretakers responsible for ensuring the safety and proper handling of the holy scripture. In addition, authorities will now be required to carry out faster investigations in such cases, with offences categorised as non-compoundable and non-bailable.

The passage of the Bill comes amid continued public demand for tougher legal action in sacrilege-related incidents that have deeply affected sentiments across Punjab over the past decade. The government believes the new framework will act as a strong deterrent and help reinforce public confidence in the justice system.

The legislation will now be forwarded to the Governor for further process before becoming law.