Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Bill Introduces Stricter Legal Framework

Why in the News ?

The Punjab Assembly has passed the anti-sacrilege amendment bill, 2026, proposing stringent punishments for offences against the Guru Granth Sahib. The move aims to address past gaps in law and ensure protection of religious sentiments and communal harmony.

Key Provisions of the Anti-Sacrilege Amendment Bill:

• The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
• The Bill proposes strict punishments, including 7–20 years imprisonment and fines between ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh for sacrilege, avoiding any ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances type legal complications.
• In severe cases involving criminal conspiracy or intent to disturb communal harmony, punishment may extend to life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh.
• Attempt to commit sacrilege carries 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹3 lakh.
• Sacrilege is defined as deliberate acts like damage, defacing, burning, tearing, theft, or offensive expressions hurting religious sentiments.
• The Bill aims to eliminate loopholes and ensure deterrence against ‘beadbi’ incidents, ensuring no post facto or ex-post legal challenges undermine its effectiveness.

Administrative Reforms and Political Responses

• The Bill mandates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central digital and physical register of all Saroops (copies) of Guru Granth Sahib.
• Each Saroop will have a unique identification number with details of printing, storage, and distribution.
• Custodians are responsible for safe custody, protection, and compliance with Sikh Rehat Maryada.
• Any damage, loss, or suspected sacrilege must be immediately reported to authorities.
• Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed it a corrective step addressing failures of previous governments.
• Opposition leaders supported the Bill but raised concerns about justice in past sacrilege cases (2015 incidents).

About Legal Protection of Religious Sentiments : ●  The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion under Articles 25–28 ●  IPC Sections (295–298) deal with offences related to hurting religious sentiments and desecration of places of worship. ●  States can enact specific laws to protect religious scriptures and institutions, similar to how regulations like Coastal Regulation Zone norms protect sensitive areas. ●  The concept of “public order” allows regulation of activities that may disrupt communal harmony. ●  Balancing freedom of expression with religious sensitivity remains a key governance challenge. ●  Strong legal frameworks are essential to prevent communal tensions and maintain social stability.