Punjab Assembly passes Bill with strict provisions against acts of sacrilege
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to increase penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
Background
The bill introduces harsher punishments including life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹25 lakh for sacrilege. It was presented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to address perceived loopholes in existing protections for the holy book.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillJaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- FactMaximum fine for sacrilege under the new bill is ₹25 lakh
- FactThe bill includes life imprisonment as a penalty for sacrilege
- PlacePunjab Assembly passed the bill unanimously
For Mains
Q. Discuss the balance between legislative measures to protect religious sentiments and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal friction: Balancing the right to freedom of religion with the state's power to penalize sacrilege
- Social cohesion: Addressing communal harmony through legislative measures versus community-led mediation
Keywords: Religious sentiments · Legislative measures · Communal harmony · Constitutional balance · Sacrilege
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.