Chandigarh: Following approval of the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Bill 2026’ by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Police has introduced a major overhaul in the way sacrilege cases will now be investigated.
The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), issued by Punjab Bureau of Investigation, mandates a highly sensitive and technologically advanced approach, marking a shift from traditional criminal investigations.
Under the revised protocol, officials must ensure full religious sanctity at the crime scene, especially while handling the sacred ‘angs’ (holy forms) of Guru Granth Sahib. This respect must be maintained from the very moment police reach the site.
The scope of investigation has also been significantly expanded. Authorities will now probe:
Possible funding through cryptocurrency
Cross-border conspiracy angles
Use of AI-generated deepfake videos or images
Mental health status of accused individuals
The SOP also requires the formation of psychological assessment boards in cases where suspects are found to be mentally unstable.
With the new law now in force, the updated guidelines aim to strengthen both the sensitivity and effectiveness of investigations, ensuring stricter action and more robust evidence collection in sacrilege-related cases.
