Chandigarh, 13 April (H.S.): As a

mark of respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, the Punjab Assembly led by CM

Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth

Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, thereby stipulating harsher punishment for

beadbi (sacrilege) of living Guru Sahib. In a decisive and uncompromising move,

the Bhagwant Mann Government has introduced life imprisonment for beadbi,

creating one of the toughest legal frameworks in the country to deal with

beadbi.

Declaring the

legislation as a historic correction of past regimes’ failures, the Chief

Minister affirmed that the new law closes long-standing loopholes left by

previous governments, ensures swift investigation, makes offences non-bailable,

and prescribes stringent penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment

along with fines up to ₹20 lakh, while holding even those aiding beadbi equally

accountable.

Drawing a sharp

contrast with earlier regimes, he stated that while Akali-BJP and Congress

sought votes in the name of Guru Sahib, it is the AAP Government that has taken

concrete steps to uphold the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and ensure

that no one dares to commit such acts again.

On the

procedural aspect, he said, “As the bill was a state bill so Presidential

assent will not be required in this case adding that the bill will be sent to

the Governor of the state after it has been passed by the state assembly. In

case it takes time from the Governor then he will himself call on him and urge

him to clear it immediately.

Detailing the

provisions, he said, “The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008 has

been now amended as the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment)

Bill, 2026 to promote communal harmony and national unity and to provide

stricter punishments, including life imprisonment, for acts of desecration.

Most of the time it has been noticed that the perpetrator of this act pretends

to be mentally upset but the act stipulates that even the guardians of such a

person will be booked for this unpardonable crime. The definition of

‘Custodian’ has been introduced, making each custodian fully responsible for

the safe custody, protection, and prevention of misuse or loss (Section 3B).”

He added,

“Provisions have been made to ensure timely and efficient investigation of

cases (Section 4A) and the offences under this law will be Non-bailable and

Non-compoundable (Section 4B). As per the act punishments have been enhanced

with fine up to ₹20 lakh and imprisonment up to life imprisonment (Section 5).

Offences have been categorized into five types as violation of provisions of

the Act will invite punishment up to 5 years imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine.”

CM Bhagwant

Singh Mann further said, “Desecration of the Holy Scripture will be liable for

7 to 20 years imprisonment and fine ranging to ₹2 to ₹10 lakh adding that

desecration with intent to disturb social or religious harmony will invite

punishment of 10 years to life imprisonment and ₹5–25 lakh fine. Abetment will

also invite punishment similarly as the main offence and attempt to commit

offence will be liable for 3 to 5 years of imprisonment and ₹1–3 lakh as fine.

The proposed legislation will act as a strong deterrent against such malicious

acts and will help maintain peace, communal harmony, and respect for religious

sentiments in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH