Why has Punjab introduced a new law on sacrilege?, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Punjab Assembly passed the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ on April 13, prescribing harsher punishments for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• The bill proposes imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to 20 years, and a fine between ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh for sacrilege.
• In cases involving criminal conspiracy, punishment ranges from a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, with fines between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh.
• The law defines sacrilege as any wilful act intended to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib, including physical damage or offensive representations.

Detailed Insights:

• The amendment aims to deter acts disturbing peace and communal harmony in Punjab by ensuring stringent punishment for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• All offences under the law will be cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, with guardians of offenders held legally accountable.
• The definition of ‘custodian’ has been introduced, making each custodian responsible for the safe custody and protection of Guru Granth Sahib.
• Critics argue the amendment departs from the original purpose of the 2008 Act, potentially making the law legally vulnerable due to conflict with central laws.
• According to A.P.S. Deol, the state government cannot impose a sentence exceeding what is laid down in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita/Indian Penal Code, where punishment for sacrilege is capped at three years.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sacrilege: The violation or profaning of something sacred.
• Cognisable Offence: An offence for which a police officer can arrest without a warrant.
• Non-bailable Offence: An offence where bail cannot be granted by the police.