Chandigarh: The Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026 is a law that “shakes” those involved in acts of sacrilege and has also unsettled its opponents. This was stated by Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala, patron of the Sikh Sadbhavana Dal, while addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club.
Accompanying him, Dr. Bhai Paramjit Singh, Advocate, who played a key role in drafting and facilitating the implementation of this law, stated that under the provisions added or amended in the law passed on April 13, those found guilty of sacrilege can face imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years along with a fine of up to ₹25 lakh, along with strict punishments.
Earlier, Bhai Paramjit Singh was honored with a memento in appreciation of his efforts in drafting and implementing the law. Bhai Baldev Singh Sirsa, Bhai Sukhjit Singh Khose, and Bhai Maninder Singh were also honored for their contributions in bringing this law into effect.
All speakers unanimously described the Punjab Government’s move as historic and advocated for the implementation of this law across India and even globally.
It was also stated that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should support the law rather than oppose it; otherwise, it would be seen as acting against the Guru.
On this occasion, Bhai Gurbachan Singh (Punjab President), Bhai Gurmeet Singh Thoohi, Bhai Jugwinder Singh Swajpur (Spokesperson, Sher-e-Punjab Dal), Bhai Kuldeep Singh (Chandigarh), Bhai Avtar Singh (Ludhiana), Bhai Sarabjit Singh (Patiala), Bhai Maninder Singh (Delhi), Bhai Manpreet Singh (Delhi), Bhai Simran Singh, Bhai Satwant Singh, Bhai Nirmal Singh, Bhai Kawaljit Singh, Bhai Jarnail Singh (Kharar), Bhai Gaganpreet Singh, Bhai Harpinder Singh, Bhai Sarabjit Singh, Bhai Didar Singh, and Bhai Sukhbir Singh Thoohi were present.
Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala further said that the earlier law introduced by the Shiromani Committee in 2008 had comparatively lesser punishments, and therefore, the government has now amended it in 2026 to make it stricter.
He criticized those spreading misinformation and making false statements against the law. Advocate Bhai Paramjit Singh clarified that the stricter provisions in the law are meant only for those who commit acts of sacrilege.
He further added that if a person is proven guilty of sacrilege and is also found to be mentally unfit, then their custodian (caretaker) will also face equal punishment. The custodian could be a family member or someone else who may have sent or influenced the individual, or even an agency behind the act—this would be subject to investigation. If proven, the custodian would receive the same punishment as the accused.
He appealed to the Sikh community to support the implementation of this law in every home, village, and state, and also urged the Government of India to make efforts to implement this law across the entire country and globally.