Punjab Cabinet Clears Strict Anti-Sacrilege Bill, Approves Solar Street Light Plan for Villages

Chandigarh, April 2026: The Punjab Cabinet on Saturday approved the Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stringent punishment for acts of sacrilege, including a minimum jail term of 10 years that may extend to life imprisonment. The Bill is scheduled to be introduced during a special session of the state Assembly on Monday.

Addressing the media, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the proposed legislation also includes a provision for heavy financial penalties. Those found guilty of sacrilege could face fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. He clarified that since this is a state law, it would not require the President’s assent and could come into effect immediately after passage.

Cheema explained that while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita contains provisions under Sections 298, 299, and 300 to deal with offenses related to religious sentiments, these are not considered strong enough to act as an effective deterrent. He emphasized the need for stricter legal measures to protect the sanctity of religious texts, particularly the Guru Granth Sahib.

Highlighting a key aspect of the amendment, the minister said the new law aims to ensure that not just perpetrators but also the masterminds behind such acts are brought to justice. He noted that in many past cases, the individuals directly involved were often mentally unstable or manipulated, allowing those orchestrating the crimes to escape accountability. The revised Bill seeks to close this gap and ensure that planners and conspirators are also punished.

Cheema also referred to several past incidents of sacrilege involving the Guru Granth Sahib and other sacred texts. He alleged that a majority of such cases occurred between 2012 and 2017, during the tenure of the previous Akali-BJP government, and claimed that there was inadequate action taken at the time to prevent such incidents or apprehend those responsible.

In addition to the legislative move, the Cabinet also approved a major infrastructure initiative aimed at rural development. The government has given the green light to install solar-powered street lights across approximately 11,500 villages in the state. The project is expected to enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy in rural areas.

Under the योजना, the state government will bear 70 percent of the total cost, amounting to around ₹380 crore, while the remaining ₹170 crore will be contributed by local gram panchayats. Officials believe the initiative will not only reduce electricity costs but also support sustainable development at the grassroots level.

The twin decisions reflect the Punjab government’s focus on both preserving religious sanctity through stricter laws and advancing rural infrastructure through clean energy solutions.