Anti-sacrilege Bill passed in Punjab Assembly, proposes life imprisonment, heavy fines

Chandigarh, April 13: The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a special session of the assembly here.
The AAP government convened a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to amend the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, for stricter punishment against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
After the bill was passed, Mann thanked the members of the House for supporting the Bill and said it would act as a strong deterrent against acts of sacrilege.
Mann also said the bill does not need to be sent to the President, adding that it requires only the Governor’s assent. (PTI)