Punjab Assembly Passes Anti-Sacrilege Bill Amid Concerns Over Implementation
Anti-sacrilege bill's effective implementation key concern: SGPC chief Dhami
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Bill, 2026, which aims to impose stricter penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami emphasized that effective implementation is crucial for the bill to meet the Sikh community's long-standing demands.
- 01Punjab Assembly passed the anti-sacrilege bill with unanimous support.
- 02The bill proposes life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
- 03SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stresses the need for effective implementation.
- 04Concerns raised over the misuse of artificial intelligence in spreading sacrilegious content.
- 05The bill aims to uphold the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib and deter future incidents.
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The Punjab Assembly, located in Chandigarh, India, has unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Bill, 2026, which introduces stricter punishments for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD). SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami welcomed the bill as a positive step but highlighted that its effective implementation is crucial. He expressed disappointment over the government's previous failures to address the Sikh community's concerns adequately. Dhami also raised alarms about the growing trend of sacrilegious content online, particularly incidents involving artificial intelligence that manipulate images and videos to disrespect the Guru Granth Sahib. The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, confirmed that the bill does not need presidential approval and only requires the Governor's assent. The legislation aims to provide a strong deterrent against sacrilege and uphold the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib.
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The bill aims to protect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community, potentially leading to a more respectful environment regarding their beliefs and practices.
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