- CM Bhagwant Mann Announces Strict Penalties, Fast-Track Investigations; He said, This is a State Act. Securing the Governor's assent is a responsibility
Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed unanimously. The Chief Minister announced that offences related to sacrilege would now attract life imprisonment till death.
He stated that the details regarding the sacrilege of the 'Swaroop' (physical form) of the Guru Granth Sahib have been clearly outlined. This is a State Act. Securing the Governor's assent is a responsibility that rests not only with us but with you as well. You rush to the Governor with your complaints against me at the slightest provocation—within just three days. You should visit him occasionally to get actual work done, too.
He said, If the Governor causes a delay, then let us both go to him together. Mr. Speaker, if we make an example of just one or two culprits punishing them severely then for generations to come, no one will dare to commit such an act of sacrilege again.
Mann stated that if a person suffering from mental illness is involved in an act of sacrilege, action will be taken against their custodian. He compared it to legal responsibility in cases where a vehicle owner is held accountable if their vehicle is misused. He also assured that investigations in such cases would be completed swiftly. The fine for sacrilege, earlier set at ₹20 lakh, has been reviewed after consultations with legal experts and religious leaders, including a meeting held in Amritsar on March 21.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab’s tableau was initially excluded from the Republic Day Parade this year, despite the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He said he personally met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after which Punjab’s tableau was included.
Speaking on religious respect, Mann emphasized the reverence accorded to Guru Granth Sahib, which is regarded as the living Guru in Sikhism. He noted that its pages are referred to as “Angs” rather than pages, reflecting deep spiritual significance. He added that the teachings of the scripture, written centuries ago, reflect visionary ideas such as considering air as Guru, water as father, and earth as mother.
Earlier in the session, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed support for the bill but demanded that the report of the committee formed on the issue be presented in the House. The Speaker assured that the committee would submit its report and would also investigate the Nakodar incident.
Bajwa also criticized the government, referring to earlier promises by Arvind Kejriwal and Mann regarding swift action based on reports, alleging that no concrete steps had been taken so far.
No government ever took concrete steps to deliver that justice : Baljinder Kaur
AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur stated that today marks a momentous day. Punjab's identity is not defined solely by agriculture or valor; rather, it is characterized by the equal respect accorded to all religions—a defining feature that has remained integral to the state's identity. Our souls share a profound spiritual bond with Gurbani. However, recent events—specifically incidents of sacrilege have inflicted deep wounds upon our hearts. The 1984 Sikh massacre can never be forgotten; similarly, the sacrilege incidents of 2015 remain a painful memory. Throughout this period, demands for justice were raised before successive governments; yet, no government ever took concrete steps to deliver that justice.
Accused Persons Used to Get Out of Jail Quickly in the Past: Nijjar
AAP MLA and former Minister Dr. Inderbir Nijjar stated that not everyone possesses the same level of understanding. Some individuals seek to divide society; hence, it becomes necessary to enact laws. For quite some time, there has been a demand for the formulation of strict laws regarding acts of sacrilege. Under the previous legal framework, accused individuals were able to secure their release from jail very quickly. There should be no ifs, ands, or buts regarding this matter.
Bajwa Demands: Committee Report Must Be Tabled
Pratap Singh Bajwa stated that a Select Committee was constituted last year. Nine months have elapsed since the formation of that committee. He demanded that the committee's report be tabled before the House, and its contents be disclosed. Furthermore, he proposed that the duration of the Assembly session be extended by one day. In response, the Speaker stated that the committee is carrying out its work, and the report will be placed before you.
Tributes Paid to Victims of Vrindavan Boat Tragedy
In the Punjab Legislative Assembly, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in the Vrindavan boat tragedy, the devotees killed in a road accident in Kangra, former Minister Lal Singh, and Asha Bhosle. Additionally, a condolence motion was moved.