Special Assembly Session Today in Punjab to Pass Strict Bill Against Sacrilege

he Punjab Legislative Assembly has convened a special session today on the occasion of Baisakhi to deliberate on and pass a stringent law against the desecration of religious texts. The session is scheduled to begin at 11 am. During the session, the government will introduce the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026’. Once passed by the Assembly, the bill will be sent to the Governor for approval. If implemented, the proposed legislation provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh for those found guilty of sacrilege. Incidents of sacrilege have been a long-standing concern in Punjab. In an effort to address the issue, the state government had earlier introduced the ‘Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025’ in April last year. This bill includes provisions covering all major religions and prescribes penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. It has been referred to a select committee for further review. Following a Cabinet meeting held on April 11, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that a proposal has been brought forward to amend the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008’. The amendment aims to incorporate stricter provisions to deal more effectively with cases of sacrilege. The special session, being held on a significant cultural and religious occasion, is seen as an important step toward strengthening the legal framework concerning religious sentiments and public order in the state.