The Punjab government has officially brought into force a new law imposing strict penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Sikh holy scripture, following the issuance of a formal notification on Monday.

The legislation, titled the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026,” came into effect immediately after being approved by the province’s governor on April 18.

The amendment bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, clearing the way for the law’s implementation. The state’s Department of Legal and Legislative Affairs issued the notification, marking the final procedural step.

The new law prescribes prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for those found guilty of desecrating Guru Granth Sahib or participating in related conspiracies. It also includes fines between 500,000 and 2.5 million rupees, along with provisions for property seizure.

The move follows years of public concern over sacrilege incidents in Punjab, particularly since 2015, when a series of cases emerged in Faridkot district. Authorities say a total of 597 such cases have been reported across the state to date.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had previously maintained that legislation on sacrilege falls within the jurisdiction of the state government and does not require approval from India’s president.

The enactment of the law is also expected to impact ongoing protests, including a demonstration in Samana that began in October 2024, where activist Bhai Gurjeet Singh Khalsa had been demanding stricter penalties by staging a high-profile protest atop a tower.

Political reaction to the law has been largely supportive. The Shiromani Akali Dal and other opposition parties have welcomed the measure, while Sunil Jakhar, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, called for similar protections to be extended to other religions.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party is expected to highlight the legislation as a key political achievement in the state.