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HC defers hearing on Christian body’s plea against Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law
The Punjab and Haryana High Court deferred the hearing on the Anglican Church of India's petition challenging the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, to May 14. The court asked the petitioner to produce an April 23 General Council resolution authorizing Rockes Bernabas Sandhu to file the petition, as the government questioned maintainability. The act—an amended version of a 2008 law—was passed on April 13, assented by the governor on April 17, and notified on April 20 with penalties for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib.
Why It Matters
The case tests the constitutionality of a religion-specific penal regime and the authority of a church body to file petitions against the law, highlighting tensions between religious protections and civil rights.
Timeline
5 Events
Hearing deferred; CIPBC resolution to be produced to court
May 2, 2026
The Punjab and Haryana High Court bench deferred the hearing on the Anglican Church of India's plea to May 14, 2026, and asked the petitioner to produce the April 23 CIPBC General Council resolution authorising Sandhu to file the petition, noting maintainability concerns raised by the Punjab government.
Resolution authorizing filing of petition by Anglican Church of India
April 23, 2026
The General Council of the Anglican Church of India (CIPBC) passed a resolution authorizing Rockes Bernabas Sandhu, a metropolitan bishop based in Amritsar, to file the petition challenging the Act.
Act notified after governor's assent
April 20, 2026
The Act was notified on April 20 after the governor's assent on April 17.
Governor accords assent to the Act
April 17, 2026
The Governor accorded assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026
April 13, 2026
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 in a special one-day session, unanimously after about three hours of discussion. The passage received support from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and opposition parties, including Congress and BJP.