Punjab's Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege law challenged in High Court
Punjab's recently passed Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026, which prescribes a minimum of seven years extendable up to 20 years for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, with a minimum of 10 years, extendable up to life imprisonment, for criminal conspiracy to commit sacrilege with intent to disrupt peace or communal harmony, has already been challenged in the High Court.
The law got its final approval just days ago, aiming to crack down on religious disrespect.
Plea says law needs president's assent
The petition argues that 7 to 20 years for sacrilege and a minimum of 10 years, extendable up to life imprisonment, for criminal conspiracy to commit sacrilege with intent to disrupt peace or communal harmony needs the president's assent because the penalties are covered under the Concurrent List and conflict with the existing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also questions why only Sikh scriptures are protected, saying this could violate equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
The plea points out that treating nonviolent acts of sacrilege like murder feels unfair and excessive.