Strict Punishments Introduced as Punjab Enforces Anti-Sacrilege Legislation

The Punjab government has officially notified the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026”, bringing the anti-sacrilege law into immediate effect across the state. The notification was issued by the Department of Legal and Legislative Affairs following the Governor’s approval of the amendment bill on April 18. With this development, the state has formally enforced a stringent legal framework aimed at addressing incidents of sacrilege. The move marks a significant step by the government to curb such offences, which have remained a sensitive issue in Punjab for several years. The background of the legislation traces back to 2015, when incidents of sacrilege began surfacing in Faridkot district. Since then, a total of 597 such cases have been reported in the state. After nearly eleven years, a law prescribing strict penalties has finally been implemented. The Punjab Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed the amendment bill on April 13. Following the Governor’s assent, legal and political uncertainties surrounding the bill were resolved. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier clarified that the subject of sacrilege falls within the jurisdiction of the state, and therefore, presidential approval was not required. The notification is also expected to impact ongoing protests, particularly the agitation in Samana that has been continuing since October 12, 2024. The protest was led by Bhai Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who had climbed a 400-foot telecom tower demanding strict legal provisions against sacrilege. Under the newly enforced law, any individual found guilty of committing sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or being part of a conspiracy related to such acts, will face imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life. The law also предусматривает fines between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh, along with provisions for property confiscation. With the issuance of the notification, the state government has completed the final step in implementing the law. Politically, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party is expected to leverage this move, while attempting to corner opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal. At the same time, opposition parties have broadly welcomed the legislation. BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar has suggested that similar legal provisions should also be extended to protect other religions from acts of desecration.