Why has Punjab introduced a new law on sacrilege?

The Punjab Assembly has passed the 'Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026', aimed at harsher punishment for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib, including life imprisonment. This bill proposes to amend the 2008 law enacted under a previous government. A series of sacrilege incidents prompted successive governments to pursue legislation, with previous bills being introduced but not receiving Presidential assent.