Amritsar, March 21, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the state government will convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha on April 13 to introduce stricter legal provisions against incidents of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege). The move aims to amend the Jagt Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008 and establish a more stringent and comprehensive legal framework.
The Chief Minister said the proposed law would include tough punitive measures such as enhanced imprisonment, heavy financial penalties, and even confiscation of property of the accused. Significantly, the new provisions are also expected to address offences committed through digital platforms.
Consultation with Sant Samaj and Legal Experts
The announcement came during a meeting held in Amritsar with members of the Sant Samaj and other religious leaders. Bhagwant Mann emphasized that the draft legislation would be prepared after wide-ranging consultations with religious bodies as well as eminent legal experts from across the country.
He noted that the special session is being scheduled on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas, underscoring the cultural and religious importance of the initiative. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring exemplary punishment for those involved in such acts.
Mann also extended an invitation to representatives of various sects, including Taksals, Nihang Singh groups, Udasi and Nirmala sects, Kar Seva organizations, Ragis, and Kathavachaks, urging them to attend the session and witness what he described as a historic step.
Zero Tolerance Policy on Beadbi
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach, the Chief Minister stated that no individual found guilty of sacrilege would be spared under the proposed law. He highlighted that the amendments aim to prevent any future incidents by creating a strong deterrent.
He further informed that Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar would soon reach out to religious leaders, including Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, to persuade them to participate in the legislative process and end ongoing protests.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Mann reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious sentiments, stating that strict and exemplary punishment would be ensured for offenders.
Earlier in the meeting, members of the Sant Samaj and various religious organizations called for expediting pending cases related to sacrilege to ensure timely justice. They also appreciated the Punjab Government for organizing events to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and welcomed the decision to grant holy city status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo.
The meeting concluded with a collective Ardas, reflecting a unified call for stronger measures to uphold the sanctity of religious scriptures.
