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. |