Punishment up to life imprisonment, fine of Rs 25 lakh and property confiscated; Know the special features of Punjab Government’s new sacrilege law

Punjab Anti Sacrilege Law, Guru Granth Sahib Law: in punjab Strict law regarding sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Now it has been implemented. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has approved the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026, after which this bill has now become a law.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan Giving this information on Sunday, he said that this opportunity is a chance for service for him. He thanked Waheguru and the Sangat.

What can be the punishment for disrespect?

Under the new law, there is a provision for strict punishment for disrespecting Guru Granth Sahib, hatching a conspiracy or publishing objectionable material. The main provisions are;

• Punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment
• Fine ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh
• Provision for confiscation of property of the accused
• The investigation will be conducted only by officers of DSP or above.
• Publishing objectionable material will also be considered a crime
• It is mandatory for SGPC to keep records.

Under the new amendment, it has been made mandatory for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to keep records related to the printing and publication of Guru Granth Sahib in both digital and physical forms. According to the 2008 law, SGPC has the exclusive right to print Guru Granth Sahib, which will now be implemented more strictly.

When was the bill passed in the assembly?

This bill was passed unanimously in the Punjab Assembly on 13 April. After this it was sent for the approval of the Governor. The government had clarified that this is an amendment to the state law. Therefore, it did not require the approval of the President and could be implemented directly after the approval of the Governor.

Third attempt to stop sacrilege

This is the third attempt to make strict laws regarding sacrilege cases in Punjab. The bills of previous governments were stuck at the central level despite being passed by the Assembly, but this time the bill brought by the Aam Aadmi Party government has passed all the stages and become a law. The government says that this will stop incidents of sacrilege and protect religious sentiments.