Chandigarh: Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government on Monday unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, with members of the Sant Samaj and leaders of various deras present during the proceedings.
During the debate, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira referred to the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report, stating it had, for the first time, named members of the Badal family as culpable. He said that 11 years had passed without justice and alleged that despite the report holding Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh responsible, no action had been taken to question him. Khaira also questioned why the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee was not consulted before introducing the Bill.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns about the need for Presidential assent. However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Bill required only the Governor’s approval and stressed that it was aimed at preventing sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified that the Bill amends the 2008 Act and does not require Presidential approval. Shiromani Akali Dal rebel MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali supported the legislation and called for fast-tracking sacrilege cases.
The Bill proposes stricter punishment for sacrilege, including 10–25 years’ imprisonment, fines between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh, and provisions for property confiscation. It also mandates the SGPC as custodian of all saroops.
Chief Minister Mann said a select committee led by Inderbir Singh Nijjar would soon submit its report on similar cases involving other religious texts, and would also examine the 1986 Nakodar firing incident.
Proceedings began with obituary references, including tributes to Asha Bhosle and victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan also raised concerns over tourist safety at boating sites.
