Talwandi Sabo/Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said the state government’s proposed anti-sacrilege legislation would introduce stringent penalties, including life imprisonment, to act as a strong deterrent against incidents of ‘Beadbi’ (sacrilege).

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a newly built Sub-Divisional Complex in Talwandi Sabo, Mann announced that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, will be introduced in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, coinciding with Baisakhi, the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth.

Stronger Law to Protect Religious Sanctity

Highlighting the rationale behind the proposed law, the Chief Minister said repeated incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other revered texts have deeply hurt public sentiments and disturbed communal harmony in the past.

He pointed out that while provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023—Sections 298, 299, and 300—deal with such offences, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent punishment.

“After careful consideration, we have decided that stronger legal measures are necessary to safeguard the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib and promote mutual respect and communal harmony,” Mann said.

The amended Bill proposes enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, which the government believes will serve as a powerful deterrent and help maintain peace across the state.

Cabinet Nod and Special Session

The Punjab Cabinet has already cleared the amendments, paving the way for the Bill to be tabled in the Assembly. The special session has been convened specifically to amend the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.

Baisakhi Significance and Message

Extending greetings on Baisakhi, Mann underlined the historic importance of the day, recalling that on April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

He said the creation of the Khalsa, symbolised by the ‘Panj Pyaras’, laid the foundation of an egalitarian and just society, promoting values of unity, brotherhood and resistance against injustice.

“The significance of this day goes beyond Sikhs or Punjabis; it is important for the entire nation,” he said, urging people to celebrate the festival with traditional fervour while reaffirming commitment to a just and inclusive society.

Development Push Highlighted

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a modern Sub-Divisional Complex in Talwandi Sabo, built at a cost of nearly ₹6 crore, replacing a 40-year-old dilapidated structure. The facility aims to provide citizen-centric services under one roof, ensuring faster and more transparent delivery.

Mann also paid obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, praying for peace, progress and prosperity in Punjab. Reiterating his government’s priorities, he said that since assuming office, the focus has been on public welfare, infrastructure development and restoring governance, while taking a swipe at previous regimes for neglecting key issues.

The proposed anti-beadbi legislation, he asserted, reflects the government’s commitment to protecting religious sentiments and strengthening social harmony in Punjab.