Today is Sunday, April 19, 2026. The biggest story in Punjab today is the official enactment of one of the strictest religious protection laws in Indian history.
Here are the top 10 Punjab news headlines for today
1. Anti-Sacrilege Bill Becomes Law
In a landmark development, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has given his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The law, now officially in force, mandates life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹25 lakh for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
2. CM Bhagwant Mann Hails “Historic Victory”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared a copy of the signed bill on social media, describing it as a “historic victory” for the people of Punjab. He emphasized that the new law fills the gaps left by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and ensures “zero tolerance” for religious disrespect.
3. New Zealand PM Meets Akal Takht Jathedar
In a rare diplomatic move, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Akal Takht today. He met with the Jathedar to discuss the contributions of the Sikh diaspora in New Zealand and pledged to strengthen communal harmony between the two nations.
4. Rupnagar Crowned Champions of State Gatka Championship
Rupnagar has emerged as the overall champion of the 12th Punjab State Gatka Championship 2026. Gurdaspur secured the runner-up position in the tournament, which concluded in village Laudimajra today with calls to include the martial art in the Olympics.
5. Harsimrat Kaur Badal Targets Centre Over Women’s Bill
SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal has lashed out at the Union Government following the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. She questioned the “sincerity” of the BJP, calling the legislative failure a setback for representation in Punjab and across India.
6. Heatwave Warning for Malwa Region
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Punjab’s Malwa belt. Temperatures in Ludhiana and Bathinda are expected to cross 42°C over the next 48 hours, prompting health advisories for farmers and outdoor workers.
7. SGPC Given Exclusive Rights to Print Holy Saroops
Under the newly enacted sacrilege law, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been granted exclusive legal authority to print, publish, and distribute Saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib to prevent unauthorized handling.
8. Punjab Police Review Security After Italy Shootout
Following the news of two Indian nationals (reportedly from Punjab) being shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Bergamo, Italy, the Punjab Police are coordinating with the MEA to assist the families and are reviewing local security at religious sites as a precaution.
9. Farmers Demand “Distress Relief” for Crop Damage
Farmer unions in the Majha region held protests today, demanding the immediate release of a ₹13,000 crore relief package. They allege that the state government has failed to compensate them for recent unseasonal weather damage to wheat crops.
10. Digital Tracking System for Religious Texts Launched
As part of the new Amendment Act, Punjab has launched a Central Digital Record System to track the movement and storage of the Guru Granth Sahib across the state, aiming to prevent theft or desecration.
