On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This Bill proposes life imprisonment and fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh (approximately $6,000 to $30,000 USD) for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The legislation aims to provide a strong legal deterrent against actions that disturb communal harmony through desecration of the sacred text. It defines sacrilege as any deliberate act that damages, defaces, or insults the Guru Granth Sahib, whether physically or through words and electronic means. The Bill also imposes a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for those found guilty as part of a criminal conspiracy, treating abettors equally to primary offenders. This move comes in response to ongoing unrest in Punjab, particularly following the 2015 Bargari sacrilege incident, which has led to criticism of previous governments for failing to secure convictions in such cases. The current administration's focus on the Guru Granth Sahib reflects an effort to fulfill electoral promises and address the demands of various Panthic organizations. However, opposition leaders have questioned the government's past actions regarding the 2015 incidents and the Bill's potential legal challenges.