In a significant legislative move, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has cleared the draft of the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025. The bill proposes stringent punishment for sacrilege, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh, reported The Indian Express. It aims to curb the rising incidents of desecration of holy texts across faiths, and ensures inclusion of all major religious scriptures such as the Guru Granth Sahib, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Bible.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The draft bill proposes that sacrilege of any holy scripture will be treated as a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence. The minimum punishment for desecration is 10 years of imprisonment, which can extend to life imprisonment, with a fine ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Attempted sacrilege may attract a jail term of 3 to 5 years along with a fine of up to ₹3 lakh. In cases where sacrilege leads to public unrest, riots, or death, the offender may face life imprisonment and heavier fines. The bill mandates that only officers of the rank of DSP or above can investigate such cases. Convicted religious functionaries will face maximum punishment without eligibility for parole or furlough. Special courts are proposed to ensure speedy trial and delivery of justice.
Political and Legal Background
This is the third time such a bill has been proposed in Punjab. Previous attempts in 2016 and 2018 under the SAD-BJP and Congress governments were stalled due to lack of Presidential assent and concerns over violation of secular principles. The current draft has been amended to ensure it covers all faiths and aligns with provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Mann-led government argues that existing laws under Sections 298 and 299 of the new criminal code are not stringent enough to deter sacrilege and that Punjab requires its own robust legislation given the state’s sensitive religious context.
Protests and Public Sentiment
The demand for stronger anti-sacrilege laws intensified following the prolonged protest by activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa. He has been on a tower in Samana for over 270 days, demanding the implementation of stricter punishment for sacrilege. His deteriorating health has further pressured the government to act swiftly. Public sentiment across Punjab, especially among the Sikh community, has been charged due to recurring incidents of sacrilege since 2015, many of which remain unresolved or mired in political controversy.
Opposition and Legal Concerns
While the bill has been welcomed by many, it has also drawn criticism from the opposition. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns that the draft bill was shared with MLAs just minutes before it was tabled. He demanded more time for discussion and consultation with legal and religious scholars. Critics have also flagged the risk of misuse of such a stringent law and its implications on freedom of expression and fair trial.
The Road Ahead
The bill has been tabled in the Assembly but is yet to be passed. It is likely to be sent to a select committee for further review and recommendations. After legislative approval, it will require the Governor’s sign-off and Presidential assent—an obstacle that derailed earlier versions of the law. The government hopes to avoid past pitfalls by making the bill more inclusive and legally sound.
Why It Matters
Punjab has witnessed a series of sacrilege-related incidents in recent years, including the infamous Bargari and Behbal Kalan cases. These events have left deep scars on the collective conscience of the state and often triggered violent protests. The proposed legislation is seen as a strong message against religious disrespect and an attempt to restore communal harmony. However, its success will depend on careful implementation, judicial scrutiny, and a balance between law and constitutional rights.
Photo Credit: Indian Express
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