Chandigarh, April 13 (NationPress) The Punjab Assembly has unanimously approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which introduces provisions for life imprisonment and a hefty fine of up to Rs 25 lakh for those guilty of sacrilege ('beadbi') against the Guru Granth Sahib.

This legislation aims to establish a strict legal barrier against actions that threaten communal harmony through organized desecration.

Additionally, it designates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the religious authority, as the custodian of all ‘saroops’.

During the one-day special session where the Bill was debated and passed, members of the Sant Samaj and leaders from various religious groups were present.

The Bill outlines sacrilege as “any intentional and deliberate act aimed at desecration, including physical damage, defacement, burning, tearing, or theft of the Saroop(s) of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib or parts thereof, or through spoken or written words, signs, visible representations, electronic means, or any other action that may offend the religious sentiments of those who follow the Sikh faith”.

It proposes fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and holds abettors—those who incite or facilitate the crime—accountable, subjecting them to the same maximum penalties as the primary offenders.

As the AAP government presented this stringent amendment Bill, state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described it as a historic and unwavering step toward justice.

He emphasized that the Bill signifies a significant shift from past administrations, asserting the government's commitment to implementing strict, timely action and leaving no room for compromise in cases of ‘beadbi’.

Beginning the discussion on this landmark Bill, Bains highlighted the government's dedication to preserving the sanctity of Sikh scriptures. He expressed immense pride, stating: “I am not merely an MLA today; I am the voice of the land where Sri Guru Gobind Singh-ji bestowed the Khalsa to the world 327 years ago on April 13.”

Contrasting the AAP government’s action with prior regimes, he remarked: “So-called ‘Panthic’ governments failed to establish a robust law to safeguard the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib, with some even admitting to desecration at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”

The minister praised the Bill as a comprehensive and visionary piece of legislation, stipulating that only DSP-rank officers or higher may investigate 'beadbi' cases, with strict timelines for inquiry and trial.

The offence will be non-compoundable and cognizable, prohibiting out-of-court settlements and allowing warrantless arrests.

Bains asserted: “This law extends beyond the Sikh community, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji is revered by Hindus, Muslims, and all who appreciate its message globally, promoting peace among believers of all faiths.”

Reflecting on the significance of his constituency, Sri Anandpur Sahib, he stated that Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib founded the city of Chak-Nanki (now Sri Anandpur Sahib). “I feel blessed to represent this sacred land. CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurated this Assembly in homage to the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib-ji.”