The Punjab government's Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 has been approved by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, marking a significant step for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2024 assembly elections. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the assent on social media, expressing gratitude for the bill's passage, which aims to impose stricter penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The amended law stipulates imprisonment of seven years, extendable up to 20 years, and fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh ($2,400 to $12,000 USD) for sacrilege. More severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh ($30,000 USD), will apply to acts committed as part of a criminal conspiracy. The bill was unanimously passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha with support from both the ruling party and opposition members, reflecting a collective stance against sacrilege. However, critics, including Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, have urged the AAP government to demonstrate its commitment by acting against past sacrilege cases. Additionally, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has called for a broader anti-sacrilege law that encompasses all religions.