Christian leaders in Punjab have expressed concern over a newly enacted sacrilege law that introduces tougher penalties for offences involving Sikhism’s sacred scripture, warning that the legislation could increase pressure on minority communities already facing hostility.
The law, known as the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026, came into effect in April after receiving approval from state authorities. It creates strict criminal penalties for acts considered disrespectful towards the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture revered by Sikhs.
Under the legislation, those convicted may face prison terms ranging from seven to 20 years, along with substantial fines. In cases linked to alleged attempts to disturb communal harmony, punishment can extend to life imprisonment. The law also allows police to make arrests without a warrant and classifies offences as non-bailable.
For many Christians in Punjab, the changes have revived painful memories of previous cases in which believers were accused under earlier religious offence laws.
One pastor, whose identity remains undisclosed because legal proceedings are still ongoing, was arrested alongside another Christian minister in 2023 after damaged pages from a Sikh prayer book were discovered near their village. Police claimed surveillance footage connected the men to the incident.
Supporters of the pastors maintain that they were wrongly accused.
According to sources familiar with the case, both men endured severe hardship during their detention. One reportedly suffered serious physical and emotional trauma and required hospital treatment before being transferred to prison.
While in custody, the two pastors encouraged one another through Bible reading and prayer. Fellow believers say their Christian faith helped them persevere during a difficult period.
Although both men were later granted bail, their lives have not returned to normal. Their churches remain closed, and they have been unable to resume ministry. They now rely on temporary labour work to support their families and continue to face uncertainty as court proceedings continue.
Local Christians say the case demonstrates how accusations relating to religious sentiments can have long-lasting consequences, even when convictions are not secured.
The new law was introduced more than a decade after a major sacrilege incident in Punjab in 2015, when pages of the Guru Granth Sahib were found scattered outside a Sikh place of worship. The incident sparked widespread protests and remains a sensitive issue in the state.
Punjab's government has described the legislation as an important step towards protecting religious sentiments and addressing past failures in dealing with sacrilege cases.
However, Christian leaders argue that the law focuses solely on one faith tradition and does not provide equal protection for the sacred texts of other religions.
Several church representatives have questioned whether the legislation could be misused against minority communities.
Albert Dua, a Christian community leader in Punjab, said many believers already face social pressure in some villages. He warned that stronger legal measures could deepen existing fears among Christians.
Pastor Robert Masih Khosla, based in Chandigarh, also expressed concern, saying previous laws had already been used to target pastors and Christian workers. He fears the new legislation could create additional obstacles for Christians serving in rural areas.
Human rights advocates have also highlighted concerns about the law's non-bailable provisions. They argue that individuals accused under the legislation could be detained before courts have an opportunity to examine the evidence.
Some legal experts note that the new framework removes safeguards that existed under earlier legislation, potentially allowing arrests to take place more quickly following a complaint.
The law has not only drawn criticism from Christian groups. Certain Sikh religious leaders have also raised objections to specific provisions and called for amendments. Despite these concerns, state officials have stated that the legislation will remain in force.
Meanwhile, legal challenges have been filed in court seeking a review of the law's constitutionality. Petitioners argue that it creates unequal treatment by applying criminal protections to one religious scripture while excluding others.
The debate comes amid wider concerns about religious freedom in India. Christian organisations have reported increasing numbers of incidents involving harassment, threats and attacks against believers in recent years.
For the two pastors still struggling to rebuild their lives, the issue is deeply personal. Though they have been released from custody, they remain unable to return to their former ministries and continue to live with uncertainty about the future.
Church leaders say their experience serves as a reminder of the challenges many Christians face in parts of India, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining faith and perseverance during times of trial.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting originally published by Morning Star News.
