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CHANDIGARH; 13th April 2026: 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 (Sacrilege), creating one of the toughest legal frameworks in the country to deal with beadbi (Sacrilege) .
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 (Sacrilege )equally accountable.
Sacrilege ; Akali-BJP and Congress sought votes in name of Guru Sahib
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.
Participating in the debate, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I assure the august house that this bill marks the end of desecration in future as it will ensure that no one will ever dare to indulge in such heinous crime.”
The Chief Minister slammed past sacrilege incidents as deliberate attempts to disturb the brotherhood and amity of the state. He labeled these ‘inhuman acts’ as a sin against humanity committed by elements hell-bent on creating chaos. He further emphasized that his government will ensure every guilty individual faces strict legal consequences, promising deterrent action that the world will remember.”
Sacrilege ; Punjabis have always upheld the ethos of peace and brotherhood
cm further said, “Punjabis have always upheld the ethos of peace and brotherhood in the state and no one would be ever able to destroy the deep knitted social fabric of the state. Making firm resolve to maintain peace and communal harmony at all costs, our government would thwart any such attempt, which can pose a danger to the communal harmony, progress and prosperity of the state. Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is the father of every Sikh and the state government is duty bound to ensure the safety of this holy granth.”
Emphasising the significance of the legislation, the Chief Minister affirmed, “If Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not safe in Punjab then where else can it be adding that this Act is a historic milestone to check the beadbi. Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was a repository of universal brotherhood, secularism and socialism to guide the destiny of mankind. The message and philosophy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is relevant across the globe to foster the sense of harmony, oneness, peace and compassion amongst mankind.”
Highlighting its spiritual importance, he said, “Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji remains an eternal source of inspiration, guidance and solace in our daily lives adding that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji has always motivated us to follow the path of piety and righteousness. Likewise, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji has taught us the virtues of sacrifice and forgiveness and instilled in us the values of love, tolerance and universal brotherhood. Every one of us drew inspiration from Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji where equality of mankind, righteousness and justice was the order of the day.”
CM criticized the past practice of prioritizing political gains
CM Bhagwant Singh added, “Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is a unique religious scripture in the world that contains not only the teachings of the Sikh Gurus but also the hymns of Hindu devotees, Muslim saints, and Sufi mystics. The Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, conferred Guruship upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, recognizing it as the eternal Guru before his passing”Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guides every Sikh through life’s major milestones—birth, marriage, and death. This ‘Shabad Guru’ remains the ultimate source of strength and wisdom for the community.”
Quoting Gurbani, he said, “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat. The great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. The great Gurus had taught us the way to life more than 600 years ago which is still relevant. As Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a living Guru so every Punjabi in general and Sikh in particular respect them and obey their every verse.”
Chief Minister criticized the past practice of prioritizing political gains over the welfare of the people. He pointed out the staggering irony that regions like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Pakistan have implemented the Anand Marriage Act while Punjab has not. Under the new Act, the Chief Minister promised that the state will hunt down and severely punish those guilty of sacrilege, delivering a sentence so harsh that the families of the perpetrators will remember it for generations.
Presidential assent is unnecessary since the bill originates at the state level
“The Chief Minister outlined the legislative roadmap, noting that Presidential assent is unnecessary since the bill originates at the state level. He confirmed that the administration will forward the bill to the Governor as soon as the State Assembly grants its approval.”In case it takes time from the Governor then he will himself call on him and urge him to clear it immediately. Most of the time the opposition pays visits to the Governor for lodging complaints against him but if these parties wish they can accompany him for this noble cause too.”
He further said, “The representative of the family which had felicitated General Dyer, the perpetrator of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, by hosting a dinner for him after this heinous incident is not in the house. “Fearing exposure, these leaders stayed away from the house. They carry the guilt of innocent lives lost and the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on their hands.”
CM Bhagwant Singh stated, “Those who are responsible for the sacrilege appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and admitted their crime in the full public glare. However, as it doesn’t suit their political ambitions they took a U turn after some time and said that some people were playing in the hands of central agencies to defame them. The entire state knows the real face of these leaders who have always misled the people through their political gimmicks.”
he new Fifth Amendment will finally close these gaps
The Chief Minister slammed the ‘unpardonable’ practice of selecting Jathedars based on personal whims and political favoritism rather than merit.”These leaders felicitated and honored the anti-Sikh forces with the top posts in their government which has always hurt the Sikh sentiments. “A leader who shielded the culprits of the Nakodar firing and Behbal Kalan sacrilege cases received the Fakar-e-Qaum honor. Under his watch, the administration fired on peaceful protesters and turned the SGPC into a political puppet.”
He further said, “Such leaders who have bruised the psyche of every Sikh through such dastardly Acts don’t deserve the top title of the community. Not even a single act of these leaders is praiseworthy and there is nothing which we people can feel proud of them or their legacy. These opportunist leaders had just used the Sikh panth for their vested political interests and had done nothing to punish the guilty of sacrilege.”
“He blasted the state government’s past failures, noting that four previous acts contained loopholes that protected criminals. Even those who took oaths on Gutka Sahib betrayed their promise to deliver justice. He asserted that the new Fifth Amendment will finally close these gaps and permanently stop any activities aimed at disrespecting our eternal Guru.”Unfortunately some stone hearted people disrespect this repository of knowledge which is unacceptable and intolerable.”
Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ passed
The Chief Minister has introduced the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a landmark move to protect communal harmony. The Bill replaces the 2008 provisions with harsher penalties like life imprisonment. It specifically targets those who use mental health as a shield by holding their guardians liable. Additionally, Section 3B mandates that every designated ‘Custodian’ must ensure the absolute safety and protection of the holy scriptures.”
“He emphasized that the government has established new provisions to ensure timely and efficient investigations under Section 4A. Under Section 4B, the law now classifies these offences as non-bailable and non-compoundable. Furthermore, the Act enhances penalties to include fines up to ₹20 lakh and sentences up to life imprisonment under Section 5. The Act also categorizes offences into five distinct types; any violation of these provisions will now invite a fine of ₹10 lakh and up to 5 years in prison.”
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.”
CM pointed out that the government is exempting religious vehicles to honor the Nagar Kirtans
Meanwhile, he said, “He is fortunate that in a bid to pay great reverence and respect to the sacred Religious Scriptures of every religion, the state government led by him has given nod to exempt especially designed vehicles for carrying the Parkash of Religious Scriptures of different religions in the state from Motor Vehicle Taxes (MVT).”
The CM pointed out that the government is exempting religious vehicles to honor the Nagar Kirtans and Harinaams that strengthen our social fabric. These events act as a catalyst for peace and brotherhood. This new exemption on specially designed religious vehicles offers major financial relief to organizations across the state.”
Recalling his tenure as Lok Sabha Member, he said, “During his stint as Lok Sabha Member, the house had paid tributes to chotta sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh ji on their martyrdom day after he had pursued the matter with then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The entire state observes that month as ‘month of mourning’ as the Chotta Sahibzadas were bricked alive by the tyrant rulers during these days. More than 190 MPs had represented the state before him but none of them had ever bothered to raise this issue.”
Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji laid out the concept of such an ideal society
He added, “He was fortunate to have got the opportunity to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji. Our government will leave no stone unturned for celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji in an unsurpassed manner adding that it is our collective duty to spread the message of Guru ji across the globe. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji had envisioned an egalitarian society free from any sort of discrimination.”
The Chief Minister further said, “Year long events have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji, who gave the message of welfare of the entire humanity, equality of all the sections of the society thus creating a society based on egalitarian values. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji laid out the concept of such an ideal society where nobody undergoes suffering of any kind. The state government has sought the blessings and suggestions from the Sant Samaj for commemorating 650th parkash Purab in a befitting manner across the globe.”
Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that these celebrations were being held during his tenure. His government will ensure that the celebrations are held in the most befitting manner with full religious fervor and gaiety. He had urged the representatives of Sant Samaj to lead the state by giving their suggestions and inputs for crystallizing the concept and programs for the celebrations.”
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