AMRITSAR, MAY 8: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited Sri Harmandir Sahib on Thursday to offer prayers of gratitude following the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026. The Chief Minister attributed the successful passage of the bill to divine strength, describing the legislation as a vital shield for the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Speaking to reporters in Amritsar, the Chief Minister stated that the new law was a necessary response to past incidents of desecration, which he characterized as deliberate attempts to fracture the social fabric of the state. He noted that the act was developed alongside top legal minds to ensure it remains a formidable deterrent against future crimes.
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our collective duty to protect its sanctity,” the Chief Minister asserted.
The Chief Minister clarified that the law allows for sentences as severe as life imprisonment until death for those convicted of sacrilege. He maintained that while the broader Sikh community has expressed support for the measure, certain leaders within the Shiromani Committee have voiced opposition. He suggested that this resistance stems from the fact that previous allegations of such nature have often pointed toward those in control of the committee.
The visit is part of an ongoing “Shukrana Yatra,” which began at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Chief Minister affirmed that the pilgrimage, concluding on May 9, serves as a formal act of thanks for the courage to perform this administrative service. The journey includes stops at several major religious sites, including Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Despite the high temperatures, large crowds gathered to witness the yatra. The Chief Minister declared that the public response reflects a deep-seated desire among the people of Punjab for effective legal protections regarding their religious sentiments.
