Punjab to Table Tough Anti-Sacrilege Law in Special Assembly Session on Baisakhi

Chandigarh, March 2026 — The government led by Bhagwant Mann is set to introduce a stringent anti-sacrilege law in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, coinciding with the festival of Baisakhi. The move aims to strengthen legal provisions against acts of sacrilege amid rising public and religious pressure in Punjab.

According to officials, the proposed legislation will include harsher punishments, potentially extending to long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, and even property confiscation. The law is also expected to widen its scope to cover digital and online content, addressing modern forms of alleged sacrilege.

The Mann government has indicated that the bill will amend existing provisions under earlier laws, which were widely criticised as inadequate or legally weak. Previous attempts to legislate stricter anti-sacrilege measures in the state had faced hurdles, including constitutional concerns and lack of approval at the central level.

In preparation for the bill, the state government has been holding consultations with religious leaders, legal experts, and community organizations. Sikh bodies and representatives from various sects have reportedly been involved in discussions to ensure the law reflects religious sensitivities while remaining legally sustainable.

The issue of sacrilege has remained politically and socially charged in Punjab since the 2015 incidents that triggered widespread protests and unrest. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has repeatedly promised “zero tolerance” on such matters, positioning the proposed law as a decisive step toward justice and deterrence.

However, opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, have criticised the government’s approach, accusing it of delay and political opportunism. Some religious leaders have also demanded even stricter penalties, including capital punishment, intensifying the debate around the proposed legislation.

With the special session approaching, the focus will be on how the government balances religious sentiments, legal scrutiny, and political expectations in what is likely to be one of the most closely watched legislative moves in the state this year.