Chandigarh, April 19 (IANS) Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has given assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, enabling harsher punishment for ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) of the living Guru Sahib.

As a mark of respect to Guru Granth Sahib, the Assembly, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on April 13 unanimously passed the Bill.

Now, the law provides for life imprisonment for ‘beadbi’, creating one of the toughest legal frameworks in the country to deal with such offences, besides ensuring swift investigation, making offences non-bailable, and prescribing stringent penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment, along with fines of up to Rs 20 lakh, while holding even those aiding ‘beadbi’ equally accountable.

Responding to the development, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the Bill passed in the Vidhan Sabha against ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) of Guru Granth Sahib has now officially become law after receiving the assent of the Governor, marking a significant legislative step towards safeguarding the sanctity of the holy scripture.

In a post on X, CM Mann wrote, “The Bill passed in the Vidhan Sabha against the ‘beadbi’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji has been signed by the Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria. Now this Bill has become law. I am deeply grateful to Waheguru for entrusting this humble servant with such a service. My heartfelt thanks to the entire Sangat.”

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains termed the development a “highly auspicious and historic moment” for all.

He said, “This is a highly auspicious and historic moment for all. The Bill passed on April 13 on the occasion of Vaisakhi has now come into force as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkar Act, 2026. I congratulate not only Sikhs but people of all religions who hold Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji in reverence, as this law reflects the collective faith and sentiments of millions.”

Another Cabinet Minister, Baljit Kaur, said, “This is a fortunate and historic day. This law will act as a strong deterrent against those who commit acts of ‘beadbi’ with the intent to create division in society. The Mann government has delivered what previous governments failed to achieve despite claiming to be protectors of Panthic values.

“This law will ensure strict punishment and promote communal harmony by preventing any attempts to spread hatred in the name of religion.”

AAP lawmaker Inderbir Singh Nijjar described the Bill becoming law as a historic day for Punjab.

“The Bill was passed unanimously in the Vidhan Sabha and has now received the Governor’s approval. I credit CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for presenting the Bill with courage and sincerity, and I am hopeful that the strict provisions in the law will put a complete stop to incidents of ‘beadbi’, as offenders will now think multiple times before committing such acts,” he said.

MP Malvinder Singh Kang said, “This law marks a significant step in addressing a long-pending demand of Sikhs across the world for strict punishment against ‘beadbi’. It will instil fear among those who attempt such acts and ensure justice. I thank Waheguru and the Mann government for translating the sentiments of Punjab’s people into a strong legal framework.”

–IANS

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