Debate Erupts Over Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Bill
Punjab: Legal experts divided over new anti-sacrilege bill
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Legal experts in Punjab are divided over the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026, which aims to impose stricter penalties for sacrilege, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD). Concerns about potential misuse and the bill's implications for non-Sikhs have been raised, reflecting the sensitive nature of sacrilege in the state.
- 01The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 proposes life sentences and hefty fines for sacrilege.
- 02Legal experts express concerns about the potential misuse of the law, particularly by law enforcement.
- 03Previous attempts to legislate against sacrilege in Punjab have faced challenges, including lack of assent from the President.
- 04The bill has sparked debate regarding its impact on non-Sikhs and the Sikh community's views on legal regulation of religious texts.
- 05The issue of sacrilege remains a highly emotive topic in Punjab, especially after past incidents of unrest.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026, aimed at imposing stringent penalties for sacrilege, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD). This legislation, introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeks to address the sensitive issue of sacrilege, which has historically led to unrest in the region, particularly following the 2015 incidents in Faridkot. Legal experts are divided on the bill's implications; some, like former advocate general APS Deol, warn of potential misuse, especially regarding cases involving minors and non-Sikhs. Others, such as senior lawyer Navkiran Singh, argue that the bill could deter future sacrilege incidents. Previous legislative attempts to address this issue, including bills from 2016 and 2018, have not received presidential assent, raising questions about the current bill's future. The debate continues over whether the law can adequately reflect the spiritual significance of the Guru Granth Sahib within Sikh tradition.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The bill's passage could lead to stricter enforcement against sacrilege, impacting community relations and law enforcement practices in Punjab.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support stricter penalties for acts of sacrilege in Punjab?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.