Punjab CM Approves Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026
The Punjab Cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved strict amendments in the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026. These amendments have made provisions for maintaining the respect and sanctity of Sri Granth Sahib Ji and for giving strict punishment to those responsible for sacrilege, up to life imprisonment. This amendment bill will be presented in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday.
This decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Disclosing this, the Chief Minister’s Office revealed, “In the past, several incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and other holy scriptures have taken place, which has deeply hurt the sentiments of the people and created an atmosphere of unrest in the society.” Although sections 298, 299 and 300 of the Indian Penal Code deal with such issues, these sections do not provide adequate provisions for stringent punishment to deal with such offenders.
After thorough deliberations and consultations, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has decided to take appropriate steps to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and ensure mutual respect, brotherhood and communal harmony in the society.
In view of the seriousness of these crimes and to protect communal harmony and religious sanctity, the Cabinet decided to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act-2008. With this, the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 has made provision for enhancing the punishments including life imprisonment for those found guilty of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This proposed law will deal strictly against ill-intentioned people and will make a major contribution in maintaining peace and harmony in Punjab.
