: Monday, April 20, 2026 00:30 AM
Special news. Chandigarh
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has approved the ‘Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026’. Under this law, a provision for even more stringent punishment has been made for those who ‘disrespect’ (insult) ‘Jeet Guru Sahib’.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Assembly passed this bill unanimously on April 13. Now under this law, there is a provision of life imprisonment for ‘disrespect’. Along with this, it has become one of the strictest legal frameworks in the country, which ensures speedy investigation to deal with such crimes. Under this, the crimes have been made ‘non-bailable’ and there is a provision for stringent punishment ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 20 lakh. Also, those who aid in ‘sacrilege’ will also be held equally accountable for this crime.
Reacting to the development, CM Mann on Sunday announced that the bill passed in the Assembly against ‘desecration’ of Guru Granth Sahib has now officially become law after getting the assent of the Governor. This is an important legislative step taken towards protecting the sanctity of the holy book. He posted on the social media platform and wrote, “Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has signed the bill passed in the Assembly against the ‘sacredness’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Now this bill has become a law. I am deeply grateful to Waheguru for providing this humble servant the opportunity of such service. I thank the entire Sangat (community) from the bottom of my heart.”
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains described this development as a ‘very auspicious and historic moment’ for everyone. He said, “This is an extremely auspicious and historic moment for all. The bill passed on April 13 on the occasion of Baisakhi has now come into force as the ‘Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkar Act, 2026’. I congratulate not only the Sikhs, but people of all religions who have reverence for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as this law reflects the collective faith and sentiments of millions of people.”
Another cabinet minister, Baljit Kaur, said, “It is a fortunate and historic day. This law will act as a strong deterrent against those who commit acts of ‘sacrilege’ with the intention of creating disunity in the society. The Mann government has done what previous governments could not achieve despite claiming to be protectors of religious values. This law will ensure stringent punishment and will ensure communal harmony by preventing any attempt to spread hatred in the name of religion.” Will promote.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar described the bill becoming law as a historic day for Punjab. He said, “This bill was passed unanimously in the Assembly and now it has also got the assent of the Governor. I give credit to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for introducing this bill with courage and honesty, and I hope that the stringent provisions of this law will completely put a stop to the incidents of ‘sacrilege’, because now criminals will think twice before committing such acts.”
MP Malvinder Singh Kang said, “This law is an important step towards fulfilling the long-standing demand of Sikhs across the world for stricter punishment against ‘sacrilege’. It will create fear among those trying to commit such acts and ensure justice. I thank Waheguru and the Mann government for converting the sentiments of the people of Punjab into a strong legal framework.”
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Web Title-Strict Laws Implemented in Punjab to Prevent Sacrilege; Provision for Life Imprisonment
