The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a Bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs “considered a living Guru”.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a special session of the Assembly.
Tabling the Bill, Mr. Mann said the draft law plugs long-standing loopholes left by previous governments. “If the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not safe in Punjab, then where else can it be? This Bill is a historic milestone to check beadbi (sacrilege)’. Sri Guru Granth Sahibji is a repository of universal brotherhood, secularism, and socialism to guide the destiny of mankind. The message of Sri Guru Granth Sahibji is relevant across the globe to foster a sense of harmony, oneness, peace, and compassion among mankind,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa supported the Bill even though he questioned whether it needed the President’s assent. Mr. Mann said since it is a State Bill, it only requires the Governor’s nod.
Mr. Bajwa also demanded that a Select Committee report on the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, be tabled in the House.
