Breaking: Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege law challenged in High Court; Watch Video + Plea copy Inside
Questions Raised Over Life Imprisonment Clause
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 22, 2026:Chandigarh, April 22, 2026:The Punjab government’s recently enacted Anti-Sacrilege law aimed at curbing sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib has come under judicial scrutiny, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging its constitutional validity.
Click the link to read petition copy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nx5wbWZSH1KYkFzb7vt6D4SSyxgGTkyB/view?usp=sharing
The petition has been filed by Jalandhar-based activist Simranjeet Singh, who has sought quashing of the “Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026” (Punjab Act No. 7 of 2026) under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution.
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Key Legal Challenges Raised
The PIL introduces several substantive constitutional questions:
Lack of Presidential Assent:
The petitioner argues that the law introduces stringent criminal penalties, including life imprisonment, which fall under the Concurrent List. As such, it allegedly required the assent of the President under Article 254(2), which was not obtained—rendering the Act procedurally invalid.
Challenge to Life Imprisonment Clause:
The plea terms the provision of mandatory life imprisonment for certain offences as “manifestly arbitrary” and disproportionate, especially for non-violent acts, drawing comparisons with punishments for grave crimes like murder.
Violation of Secularism and Equality:
The petition contends that the Act creates a specialised legal framework focused solely on one धार्मिक scripture, raising concerns under Article 14 (equality before law) and the basic structure principle of secularism.
Vagueness and Free Speech Concerns:
The definition of sacrilege in the law—covering spoken, written, symbolic, and electronic expressions—has been challenged as overly broad, potentially infringing upon freedom of speech under Article 19.
Interference in Religious Affairs:
Provisions mandating record-keeping and regulatory compliance by custodians have also been questioned as excessive state interference in religious matters.
According to the petition, the Bill was passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on April 13, 2026, received the Governor’s assent the same day, and was notified on April 20.
The petitioner has also sought an interim stay on the Act, citing immediate compliance requirements—such as the creation of a central register within 45 days—which could lead to criminal liability if later struck down.
The petitioner has stated that the PIL has been filed in “larger public interest” and with full disclosure of past litigation history, including earlier court-imposed costs. The plea asserts there is no alternative legal remedy available and urges urgent judicial intervention. The High Court is expected to take up the matter for preliminary hearing soon.