Listen To This Post
The passage of the Bill comes against the backdrop of deeply concerning data on sacrilege cases, which has exposed serious gaps in investigation and prosecution over the past decade.
Written By: HARISH MANAV/ THE NEWS DOSE.COM
Chandigarh: In a decisive legislative move shaped by both public sentiment and systemic concerns, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with strong backing across party lines and the presence of members from the Sant Samaj and leaders of various deras during the proceedings.
The passage of the Bill comes against the backdrop of deeply concerning data on sacrilege cases, which has exposed serious gaps in investigation and prosecution over the past decade.
7% Conviction Rate Sparks Urgency for Reform
According to Punjab Police data, only 44 out of 597 sacrilege cases registered between 2015 and 2026 have resulted in convictions—a rate of barely 7 per cent.
In contrast:
- 99 cases ended in acquittal, largely due to lack of evidence
- 83 were cancelled during investigation
- 37 were quashed by courts
- 102 remain untraced
Out of 791 accused identified, the identity of 192 individuals could not even be established, highlighting the depth of investigative challenges.
A detailed study by the Punjab Bureau of Investigation revealed that 70 of the 99 acquittals were due to weak or insufficient evidence, while other cases collapsed due to hostile witnesses, procedural lapses, and lack of forensic backing. In many instances, CCTV footage was not secured in time, crime scenes were poorly preserved, and FIRs were filed under public pressure without adequate evidence, making them unsustainable in court.
The study further noted that 15–30 per cent of accused were found mentally unstable, leading courts to order treatment instead of punishment. Delays in psychiatric evaluation and absence of standardised protocols added to inconsistencies. Additionally, 32 accused died during trial, further weakening case outcomes.
Even in conviction cases, sentences were often lenient, typically ranging from 60 days to six months, with only a handful of cases seeing punishment beyond one year.
What the Amendment Seeks to Change
Against this backdrop, the newly passed legislation aims to fundamentally strengthen the legal framework governing sacrilege cases involving the Guru Granth Sahib.
Key provisions include:
- Rigorous imprisonment from 10 to 25 years
- Fines ranging between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh
- Provision for confiscation of property of the accused
- Legal mandate for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to act as custodian of all saroops and maintain detailed records
The legislation is designed not just as a punitive tool, but as a deterrent backed by stronger investigative and procedural accountability.
Debate Reflects Political and Historical Faultlines
During the debate, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira invoked the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report, alleging that despite naming members of the Badal family and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, no meaningful action had followed even after 11 years. He also questioned why the SGPC was not consulted before introducing the Bill.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised procedural concerns, particularly whether the Bill would require Presidential assent.
However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clarified that only the Governor’s approval is required, as the amendment pertains to an existing 2008 state law.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reinforced this position, stating that the Bill is a state-level amendment and does not require central clearance.
Shiromani Akali Dal (rebel) MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali supported the legislation and called for fast-tracking pending sacrilege cases, reflecting rare political consensus on the issue.
Beyond One Faith: Broader Legal Framework Ahead
Chief Minister Mann also announced that a select committee led by Inderbir Singh Nijjar will soon submit its report on extending similar protections to other religious texts, while also examining historical incidents such as the 1986 Nakodar firing case.
A Solemn Beginning, A Strong Message
The session began on an emotional note, with obituary references including tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle and victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan also flagged concerns over safety at tourist boating sites.
A Law Born Out of Systemic Failure
The passage of the amendment marks more than just a legislative update—it reflects a course correction after years of weak enforcement, investigative lapses, and judicial setbacks.
As the Punjab Bureau of Investigation concluded, the problem was never the absence of law, but failures in evidence collection, prosecution, and coordination. The new Act now attempts to address these structural deficiencies while sending a strong signal that acts of sacrilege will invite swift and stringent consequences.
