Chandigarh, April 19: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has granted his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially transitioning the proposal into law. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the development on Sunday, noting that the enactment fulfills a significant commitment to the Sikh community and ensures rigorous legal protection for religious sentiments.
The amended legislation establishes severe penalties for individuals involved in acts of sacrilege or related conspiracies against the Guru Granth Sahib. Under the new provisions, those found guilty face a prison term ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. Furthermore, the act introduces substantial financial penalties, with fines set between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, alongside the potential confiscation of the offender’s property.
Now this will be enacted, Chief Minister Mann stated in a social media post on Sunday. He affirmed that the opportunity to serve through this legislation was a matter of deep personal significance and expressed gratitude to the Sikh Sangat for their consistent support.
The law also addresses digital and print media, classifying the publication of derogatory content against the Guru Granth Sahib as a punishable offense. To ensure high-level oversight, all investigations under this act must be conducted by an officer holding the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or higher. Additionally, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is now legally mandated to maintain comprehensive physical and electronic records of the printing and publishing of the holy scripture.
