Why has Punjab introduced a new law on 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 the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Background
The bill proposes life imprisonment for sacrilege, amending the 2008 law passed under the Shiromani Akali Dal–Bharatiya Janata Party government. The Central government had previously rejected similar bills citing concerns regarding religious equality.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillJaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Proposed law to increase penalties for sacrilege in Punjab.
- FactThe bill proposes life imprisonment as a penalty for the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- FactThe original law governing these offenses was passed in 2008.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the tension between state-level legislation on religious sentiments and the constitutional principle of secularism and religious equality in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing state-specific religious protections with the principle of secularism.
- Legislative friction: Central government's role in reviewing state laws to ensure religious equality.
- Social cohesion: Impact of punitive sacrilege laws on communal harmony and religious pluralism.
Keywords: Secularism · Religious Equality · Legislative Competence · Communal Harmony · State Legislation
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