Punjab forms 7-member panel for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Amendment Act

Punjab Government forms a 7-member coordination committee for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026, on the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The Act introduces stringent penalties for sacrilege, including life imprisonment.

Punjab Govt Forms Coordination Committee

The Punjab Government on Wednesday constituted a seven-member coordination committee regarding the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026, in accordance with the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

According to the Punjab Government, the newly formed panel includes former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera, retired Justice Jaspal Singh, retired Justice Gurbir Singh, retired IPS officer and PPSC Chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and Law Officer Preet Inder Paul Singh. The state government stated that this committee will maintain continuous coordination with the committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Amended Sacrilege Act with Stricter Penalties Notified

Earlier, on April 20, the Punjab Government notified the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which aims to provide a framework governing the protection and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and penalise acts of sacrilege. The notification followed Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria granting his assent to the amendment bill on April 17.

The amended legislation introduces stringent penalties for sacrilege, prescribing imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life along with fines between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh for anyone involved in or supporting such acts.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the enactment reflects the firm commitment of the Bhagwant Mann government to uphold the supreme honour and dignity of Guru Sahib. (ANI)

"Government of Punjab has today notified the Sri Jaagat Jot Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, passed in the recent Punjab Vidhan Sabha session and assented to by the Hon’ble Governor on 17th April. This reflects the firm commitment of the @BhagwantMann Government to uphold the supreme honour and dignity of Guru Sahib. Those involved in any act of sacrilege or dishonouring Guru Sahib will face the strictest consequences," said Cheema. (ANI)

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