‘Sacrilege not mental illness but conspiracy’: Punjab CM Mann announces strict provisions, custodians also liable; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 13, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday made a strong pitch for stricter action against sacrilege, stating that such acts are not the result of mental illness but part of larger conspiracies, while presenting the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister said that perpetrators often escape punishment by being labelled as mentally unstable, weakening cases. He announced that under the proposed law, if a person with mental illness is involved in a sacrilege incident, their custodian will also be held legally accountable.
Drawing a comparison, Mann said just as a vehicle owner is penalised for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle, similarly, those responsible for supervising such individuals cannot evade responsibility.
Mann clarified that life imprisonment under the bill would mean incarceration until death, not the commonly perceived 14-year term. He added that those convicted would not be eligible for routine remissions on occasions such as Independence Day or Republic Day.
The Chief Minister emphasised that masterminds behind such acts would face the same charges as those executing them, asserting that conspirators attempting to incite communal violence would be directly liable for life imprisonment.
As per the bill, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee will be required to maintain comprehensive records related to the printing, storage, and distribution of the Guru Granth Sahib. The legislation also seeks to clearly define sacrilege under the law.
Urging opposition parties to support the bill unanimously, Mann appealed for setting aside political differences on the sensitive issue. In a lighter remark, he said that leaders who approach the Governor with complaints should also accompany him to secure assent for this legislation.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the commercialisation of Gurbani, suggesting that while its broadcast should be widespread, it must be free from advertisements at least 30 minutes before and after telecast.
Mann stated that the bill has been drafted after consultations with legal and religious experts to ensure there are no loopholes, calling it a historic step taken during his government’s tenure.