On Monday, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026, aimed at intensifying penalties for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, a revered scripture in Sikhism. The bill introduces severe punishments, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD) for sacrilege committed as part of a criminal conspiracy. For general acts of sacrilege, individuals may face imprisonment ranging from 7 to 20 years and fines between ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh. The bill also defines sacrilege broadly, encompassing physical damage, defacement, or any act intended to desecrate the scripture. Furthermore, it requires the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of the Guru Granth Sahib's saroops, ensuring their protection and proper management. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that this law is comprehensive and aims to eliminate loopholes in previous legislation. However, opposition leaders raised concerns about the delay in addressing past sacrilege cases and the government's transparency regarding investigations. The bill is now set to be sent to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for final approval.