Punjab govt to bring legislation for harsher punishment for sacrilege of religious scriptures: Mann

Hindustan Times

5 hours ago

Chandigarh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Saturday said his government will introduce a legislation to ensure harsher punishment for acts of sacrilege against religious scriptures. Punjab govt to bring legislation for harsher punishment for sacrilege of religious scriptures: Mann
Chairing a meeting with officers and representatives of the 'Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha' here, he also said all stakeholders, including religious organisations, would be consulted in drafting the legislation.
Their views would be duly incorporated into the law, he said.
Mann said this process will be completed shortly to assuage the sentiments of the general public and very soon a cabinet meeting will be convened on the issue.
He asserted Punjab is a sacred land of great gurus, saints, and seers who have shown the path of mutual love and tolerance.
He said it is a matter of immense pride that Punjab stands as a unique blend of socialism and secularism, as well as an epitome of communal harmony, peace, and brotherhood.
In an official statement, Mann reiterated that his government is firmly committed to ensuring exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of sacrilege incidents.
He said the government will consult leading legal experts to ensure that a robust state legislation is enacted - one that prevents offenders from evading strict consequences, including the possibility of capital punishment for such heinous crimes.
He expressed concern over existing legal loopholes that allow individuals guilty of such unpardonable acts to walk free, calling it completely unwarranted and unacceptable.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to justice, Mann stated that every person involved in these sacrilegious acts, either directly or indirectly, will face exemplary punishment.
It is the bounden duty of the state government to ensure that these dreaded criminals are held accountable for their actions, he said.
Mann highlighted that while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provides clear provisions regarding religious places, it remains silent on holy granths.
However, he said that as the subject falls under the concurrent list, the state has the authority to enact such legislation, and legal opinions will be sought accordingly.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.