Sacrilege and the law: India

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Punjab

2026 law

April 14, 2026: The Times of India

Chandigarh : The Punjab assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, modifying the original 2008 Act to introduce more rigorous penalties, including life imprisonment, aimed at deterring incidents of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) and upholding the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, reports Vibhor Mohan.


Calling the legislation a “historic correction of past regimes’ failures”, chief minister Bhagwant Mann told the House: “This bill marks the end of desecration as it will ensure that no one will ever dare to indulge in such a heinous crime.” 
It is a state-specific legislation and does not require presidential assent, Mann said. 
Alongside stricter prison terms, the legislation introduces financial penalties, with fines reaching up to Rs 25 lakh. It specifically expands the definition of sacrilege to include desecration through digital means.