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Punjab notifies anti-sacrilege law (Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026)
Punjab's Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 received governor assent and gazette notification after unanimous passage in a special assembly session on April 13. The act imposes strict penalties for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib and was followed by political commentary on the legislation.
Why It Matters
The new law tightens penalties for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, signaling a hardline stance by the state government. It also drew political reaction, highlighting opposition silence and intra-party dynamics surrounding the bill.
Timeline
4 Events
AAP questions Sukhbir Singh Badal’s silence on the legislation
April 21, 2026
AAP general secretary Baltej Pannu described the silence of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on the legislation as politically significant, noting that SAD and SGPC leadership had not issued statements either for or against the bill. Pannu highlighted that the lone SAD legislator did not attend the special session. Cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the law reflects the government's commitment to uphold the Guru Granth Sahib's dignity, and he posted on X with an image of the notification.
Gazette notification issued; anti-sacrilege act comes into force
April 20, 2026
The department of law and legislative affairs issued the gazette notification for the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 after receiving the governor’s assent. The Act provides for stringent punishments, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh, for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
Governor grants assent to Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026
April 17, 2026
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria accorded assent to the bill on Friday, enabling it to move forward toward notification as law.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026
April 13, 2026
In a special one-day session, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 after about three hours of discussion. The bill proposes amendments to the 2008 anti-sacrilege law and received support from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party as well as opposition parties, including Congress and the BJP.