Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially making it law. The Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, 2026, and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the development on April 19, 2026.
Background of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act
- The original Act was enacted in 2008 to protect the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
- It criminalises acts of sacrilege against the scripture and prescribes penalties for offenders.
- The Act reflects the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh religious and cultural identity.
Key Provisions of the 2026 Amendment
- Persons involved in sacrilege or conspiracy face imprisonment from 10 years to life.
- Publishing derogatory content against the Guru Granth Sahib is now a punishable offence.
- Fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh can be imposed on offenders, along with property confiscation.
- Investigations must be conducted by police officers of Deputy Superintendent rank or higher.
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is mandated to maintain physical and electronic records of all printing and publishing of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Legal and Administrative Aspects
- As a state legislation amendment, the Bill required only the Governor’s assent, not the President’s approval.
- This reflects the constitutional provision that state laws on subjects in the State List do not need presidential assent unless specified.
- The law strengthens legal safeguards for religious sentiments and scripture protection within Punjab.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru by Sikhs. The SGPC is the apex body managing Sikh places of worship and religious affairs. This amendment is among the strictest legal measures to prevent sacrilege against religious texts in India.
Last Modified: April 24, 2026