Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday introduced the “Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026” in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, aimed at ensuring strict legal action against those involved in the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the conspiratorial elements behind such acts.
The Chief Minister stated that offenders would no longer be able to escape punishment by citing mental illness. Under the new provisions, if a mentally ill person is involved in desecration, their custodian or caretaker will also be held legally responsible.
He compared the provision to traffic rules, stating that just as vehicle owners are held accountable when they allow unlicensed driving, responsibility will now be fixed on those connected to such incidents.
Stricter Punishment Provisions
According to the proposed bill, life imprisonment will mean incarceration for the remainder of a convict’s life, eliminating eligibility for parole or early release during national holidays such as Independence Day or Republic Day.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that desecration cases are often linked to larger conspiracies aimed at inciting communal tensions. He said those who orchestrate such acts from behind the scenes will also face life imprisonment and strict legal action.
SGPC Role and Record Keeping
The bill proposes that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will maintain complete records of printing, storage, and distribution of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to prevent misuse and ensure accountability.
It also defines desecration in clear legal terms to eliminate loopholes that could be exploited in court proceedings.
Ban on Commercial Use
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the commercial use of Gurbani and stated that no advertisements should be broadcast 30 minutes before or after Gurbani telecasts.
Call for Political Consensus
CM Mann urged opposition parties to support the bill unanimously, stating that political differences should not come in the way of protecting religious sanctity.
With a light-hearted remark in the Assembly, he said that strict punishment would act as a strong deterrent against future incidents.
Following his speech, the Assembly witnessed support for the bill amid slogans of approval, marking it as a significant legislative move by the Punjab government.
