Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has given assent to the Jaagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for it to be implemented as a full-fledged law in the state. On Sunday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while sharing this information, said in a social media post, “Now this will be enacted… From a humble person like me, a billion thanks to Waheguru for giving me this opportunity to serve Him.”
“I also extend my gratitude to the entire Sikh sangat for supporting me,” the post further reads.
The Act will now ensure that anyone involved in an act of sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib or being part of such a conspiracy will face punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment if found guilty in court.
Publishing any derogatory content against the Guru Granth Sahib will also be considered an offence. The Act also paves the way for imposing fines on the guilty, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, and confiscation of their property.
Under the Act, a DSP-rank official or above will investigate such cases.
Since several amendments have been made to the original Act of 2008, which gives the sole right for printing and publishing of Guru Granth Sahib to the SGPC, the amended Act has also made it legally mandatory for the SGPC to maintain the records both physically and electronically.
The Vidhan Sabha had sent the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to the Punjab Governor for approval earlier last week.
The ruling AAP, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, said that since this was an amendment to the already established Act, it did not require presidential assent and would be approved by the Governor.
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