The Bhagwant Mann government has tabled a stringent amendment bill prescribing life imprisonment for acts of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege), with Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains declaring it as a historic and uncompromising step towards justice. As the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was tabled in the Assembly, the move marked a sharp departure from previous regimes, with the government asserting its intent to enforce strict, time-bound action and eliminate any scope for compromise in cases of ‘beadbi’.
While commencing the discussion on the landmark Bill in Punjab Assembly, Sri Anandpur Sahib MLA Harjot Singh Bains, underscored CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of Sikh scriptures. He expressed a deep sense of privilege, while stating, “I am not just an MLA today. I am a voice of the land where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gifted the Khalsa to the universe 327 years ago on April 13.”
Contrasting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government’s move with previous regimes, he said, “So-called ‘Panthic’ governments failed to enact a stringent law to protect the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with some even guilty of desecration and later confessing at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. We come from humble backgrounds and never imagined reaching here.
Today, through this government, the Baadshah Darvesh Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself is taking this service from our hands." The minister hailed the Bill as a comprehensive and visionary law, while outlining key provisions that only DSP-rank officers or above can investigate 'beadbi' cases, with strict timelines for investigation and trial.
The offence would be non-compoundable and cognizable, prohibiting out-of-court settlements and allowing warrantless arrests. Convictions will attract life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh, with equal punishment for those involved or abetting the act.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasised, “The law extends beyond the Sikh community, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a revered scripture for Hindus, Muslims and all who cherish its message globally, thereby bringing peace to the minds of believers across faiths.” Recalling his constituency’s significance, he noted that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji founded the city of Chak-Nanki (now Sri Anandpur Sahib).
“I feel blessed that I got an opportunity to represent this Holy land. CM Bhagwant Mann laid this Assembly at the Guru's feet to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji,” he added.
He prayed at the feet of Guru Sahib, “place your hand on our heads and get this Bill passed with unanimous consent."