Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Law Gets Governor’s Final Approval

Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Law Gets Governor’s Final Approval

Why in the News ?

The Punjab Governor has approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making it a law. The move aims to impose stricter penalties for sacrilege and ensure protection of religious sanctity.

Key Provisions of Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Law:

  • The amended law strengthens the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, targeting acts of sacrilege.
  • Punishment enhanced:

○   Minimum 7 years imprisonment, extendable to 20 years, with fines between ₹2 lakh–₹10 lakh.

  • In severe cases involving criminal conspiracy, punishment may extend to life imprisonment with fines up to ₹25 lakh.
  • Abetment provisions: Individuals assisting or encouraging the offence face equal punishment as the main offender.
  • Attempt to commit sacrilege is also punishable with 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹3 lakh.

Institutional Measures and Implementation Mechanism

  • A new provision mandates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a centralised digital register of all saroops (copies of Guru Granth Sahib).
  • Each copy will have a unique identification number, ensuring traceability and accountability in printing, storage, and distribution.
  • The law will come into force upon official notification in the gazette, after which offences will be registered and prosecuted under new provisions.
  • The Bill was passed unanimously in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, reflecting political consensus across parties.
  • The legislation aims to deter sacrilege incidents and maintain communal harmony and public order.

Key Constitutional, Legal and Social Aspects:

●  Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): Guarantees the right to practice and protect religious beliefs, subject to public order and morality.

●  Public Order & State Power: States can enact laws to maintain peace and communal harmony under the State List (Seventh Schedule).

●  Sacrilege Laws: Not uniformly codified at national level; States legislate based on local sensitivities and socio-religious context.

●  SGPC: Statutory body managing Sikh religious institutions and affairs, established under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.

●  Debate: Balancing religious protection vs freedom of expression, ensuring laws are not misused.