Chandigarh: Punjab Police has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for investigating sensitive sacrilege cases, focusing on forensic accuracy, digital evidence protection and time-bound legal action.
The SOP, prepared by Punjab Bureau of Investigation, mandates that investigations must be completed within 60 to 90 days, with the charge sheet filed within this period. Senior officers, including SSPs and Police Commissioners, will directly monitor such cases.
Key investigation guidelines
Under the new protocol, police will follow a six-point action plan:
Immediate response: SHO and Investigating Officer must reach the spot without delay after receiving information.
Securing the scene: Inner and outer perimeters must be created to preserve evidence and control crowds.
Religious protocol: Sacred ‘angs’ of Guru Granth Sahib or related symbols will be handled only in the presence of authorised religious representatives and with full respect.
Forensic documentation: High-resolution photography, videography and mapping of the site will be mandatory, with immediate involvement of forensic teams.
Conspiracy probe: Investigation will not stop at the accused but extend to identifying masterminds and larger conspiracies.
Digital tracking: Social media, deepfake content and cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) funding will be probed using AI tools
Mental health assessment provision
If an accused is suspected to be mentally unstable, a board of forensic psychologists will be constituted to assess their condition as part of the investigation.
Strict punishment under new law
The SOP comes after the approval of the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026’. Under the law, those found guilty can face a minimum of 10 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, along with fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. Offences registered under this law will be non-bailable.
The move signals a stricter and more structured approach by Punjab authorities to handle sacrilege cases with both sensitivity and stronger legal enforcement.
