Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday stated that Punjab has shown the entire country the path to protecting the honor of the Gurus by enacting the strictest law against sacrilege, and appealed to all state governments to bring in similar laws.
After paying obeisance at Patna Sahib, Mann said Punjab was ready to extend every possible help in this regard. Calling sacrilege an unforgivable crime against faith, he emphasized that with the new law coming into force, anyone daring to commit beadbi (desecration) of Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab would now have to spend their entire life in jail.
Sharing a few snippets on X, Mann said: "Today, I had the privilege of paying obeisance at Takht Sri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib, the sacred birthplace and land blessed by the holy footsteps of the Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. I bowed before the Guru and offered prayers for the prosperity, well-being and ever-rising spirit of Punjab, Punjabis and the entire Sikh sangat. I also expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the Guru Sahib for blessing us with the opportunity to uphold the sanctity of the holy Shabad Guru by enacting a strict law against beadbi. May Guru Sahib continue to shower His immense blessings upon everyone."
The Punjab assembly recently enacted a stricter anti-sacrilege legal framework through the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which received the Punjab governor's assent. Aimed at establishing a robust deterrence framework to preserve communal harmony, the amended law targets the beadbi (desecration) of Guru Granth Sahib.
Mann's appeal to other states underscores the significance of protecting religious sanctity and maintaining social harmony. He urged all state governments to adopt similar measures to deter acts of sacrilege and uphold the dignity of religious scriptures. The Punjab government's proactive step has been widely appreciated by the Sikh community and religious leaders, who see it as a crucial move to prevent any disrespect to the Guru Granth Sahib.
The new legislation imposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment, for any act of desecration, sending a clear message that such offenses will not be tolerated. Mann reiterated that Punjab is committed to safeguarding the honor of the Gurus and expects other states to follow suit to ensure uniform protection across the country.
