Punjab blasphemy law: Sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib may attract life term, penalty up to ₹25 lakh

The Punjab government has officially notified a new, stringent law to address incidents of sacrilege, introducing severe penalties to include life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹25 lakh.

Following the formal approval by the Governor on April 13, the state has now prioritised the implementation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure rigorous and time-bound investigations into such sensitive cases. Prepared by the Punjab Bureau of Investigation (PBI), the new guidelines mandate that cases must be investigated and charge-sheeted within a period of 60 to 90 days, with direct oversight from the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) or Police Commissioner.

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To ensure forensic accuracy and the preservation of digital evidence, the police department has outlined six critical points for investigation. Upon receiving information, the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Investigating Officer (IO) are required to reach the crime scene immediately, ensuring a secure internal perimeter and effective crowd management.

The handling of the ‘Saroop’ (sacred volume) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib or other religious symbols must be conducted with the utmost dignity and strictly in the presence of authorised religious representatives.

Every incident scene will undergo high-resolution videography, mapping, and forensic documentation. Furthermore, the investigation will not be limited to the perpetrator on the ground; instead, police are tasked with uncovering the broader conspiracy and identifying the masterminds.

Advanced AI tools will be deployed to scrutinise social media, deepfake videos, and misleading content, including a deep dive into any potential funding links via cryptocurrency or other digital channels.

The law further provides a scientific approach to identifying the suspect’s state of mind. Should an accused claim mental instability, a medical board comprising forensic psychologists will be constituted to evaluate their condition.

The legal framework defines sacrilege broadly, encompassing actions such as the intentional tearing, burning, or damaging of the sacred Saroop, or subjecting it to disrespect through improper placement or handling.

Acts such as the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or narcotics in the presence of the sacred volume, or the creation of derogatory social media content targeting the Guru Granth Sahib, are also strictly prohibited.

The legislation mandates that offenders face a minimum sentence of ten years, extendable to life imprisonment, along with fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. Importantly, all cases registered under this new law will be categorised as non-bailable, ensuring a firm judicial approach to maintaining communal harmony. With these measures, the Punjab government aims to uphold the sanctity of religious sites and prevent the spread of inflammatory material that threatens the state’s peace.