H: In a major legislative victory for the state, the Punjab Governor has officially given his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This landmark decision transforms the bill into a powerful law, aimed at protecting the sanctity of the holy scripture with some of the strictest penalties in the country.The Governor’s Stamp of ApprovalChief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Sunday that Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has signed the anti-sacrilege bill. The legislation, which was passed unanimously by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13 during a special Baisakhi session, is designed to act as a "shield of justice" against those attempting to disturb communal harmony.Jail for Life & ₹25 Lakh Fine: The New Legal HammerThe amended law introduces a multi-tier punishment system to ensure no offender is spared:Life Imprisonment: Convicts involved in criminal conspiracies to commit sacrilege with the intent to disrupt peace will face 10 years to life in prison.Massive Financial Penalty: The law mandates a staggering fine ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.Standard Offense: Any individual committing an act of 'Beadbi' (sacrilege) will face a minimum of 7 years of imprisonment, extendable up to 20 years, along with a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.Attempt to Commit: Even those who attempt such acts will face up to 5 years in jail.Broadened Definition of SacrilegeUnder the new Act, sacrilege is no longer limited to physical damage. It now encompasses:Physical Damage: Burning, tearing, defacing, or theft of the 'Saroop'.Expression: Insults through spoken or written words, signs, or visible representations.Digital Content: Offensive or derogatory content published electronically about the Guru Granth Sahib is now a punishable offense.Ensuring Accountability: The Role of SGPC and PoliceTo prevent future incidents, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is now legally required to maintain a digital and physical central registry of every 'Saroop' with a unique ID. Furthermore, all sacrilege investigations will be handled by high-ranking officers (DSP rank or above) to ensure a swift and transparent process.
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