Laws should be made against sacrilege for every religion: Punjab BJP President

April 19, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has approved a bill providing for strict punishment for the “beadbi” (insult) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Following this, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Sunday appealed to the state government to enact a similar law for all religions.

Demand for a uniform law for all religions
Responding on social media, Jakhar thanked the Governor for approving the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Samman Amendment Bill, 2026.” He said that this would ensure strict punishment for those who sacrilege the Guru Granth Sahib. He also demanded that the state government bring the draft law on the insult of all religions, currently with the Select Committee, to the Assembly soon.

Appeal for the protection of all religious texts and idols
Jakhar said that a law should be enacted to prevent the desecration of sacred texts and idols of not just one religion, but all religions. He said that in recent times, the role of “divisive forces” has been exposed in such incidents, hence the need for a uniform law.

Provision for stringent punishment
The new law provides for punishment up to life imprisonment for desecration of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This law is considered one of the strictest laws in the country. It includes non-bailable provisions, a speedy investigation process, and provisions for punishment ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to 20 lakh rupees. Furthermore, those who facilitate such crimes will be held equally responsible.