CM Mann Convenes High-Level Meet on Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann convenes a 7-member committee to discuss the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026.
In a significant move regarding religious sanctity and legal frameworks, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called for a crucial meeting of a seven-member coordination committee. The meeting, scheduled for Sunday at 1 PM, will take place at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Sector-2, Chandigarh.
The primary agenda of this high-level discussion is to deliberate on matters pertaining to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. This legislative step aims to strengthen the protections surrounding the holy scriptures and ensure stricter punishment for sacrilege.
A Committee of Experts and Religious Leaders
To ensure a comprehensive discussion, the Chief Minister has assembled a diverse group of individuals, including prominent religious figures and legal experts. The seven-member committee consists of:
- Giani Raghbir Singh: Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib
- Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa: Head of Damdami Taksal
- Sant Baba Sewa Singh: Of Rampur Khera
- Former Justice Jaspal Singh
- Former Justice Gurbir Singh
- S Jatinder Singh Aulakh: Former IPS officer and former PPSC Chairman
- Advocate S Preet Inder Pal Singh
Understanding the Amendment Act, 2026
The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, was passed with unanimous support in the Punjab Assembly on April 13. This legislation amends the original 2008 Principal Act to introduce much more stringent penalties for offences related to sacrilege.
Key Provisions and Penalties:
The new law introduces heavy consequences for those found guilty of violating the sanctity of the holy scriptures:
- Criminal Conspiracy: For conspiracies aimed at sacrilege with the intent to disrupt communal harmony or peace, the Act provides for life imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
- Offences of Sacrilege: Direct acts of sacrilege can lead to up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
- Other Offences: For violations under the Act that do not fall under sacrilege, the law prescribes up to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
Defining the Role of Custodians
Beyond punishment, the legislation places significant responsibilities on the custodians of the Saroops. Under the new rules, custodians are legally mandated to:
- Ensure the absolute safe custody of the Saroops.
- Protect them from any form of damage, misuse, or loss.
- Strictly observe the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
- Immediately report any damage, disappearance, or suspected sacrilege to both the police and relevant management authorities.
This legislative push follows a long history of attempts by various political entities in Punjab—including previous BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal coalitions and Congress governments—to introduce life imprisonment for sacrilege. The current AAP government's focus on this issue comes at a pivotal time as the state prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections.