Punjab CM announces legislation to ensure harsher punishment for sacrilege of holy granths
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the state government will introduce legislation to ensure harsher punishment for acts of sacrilege against religious scriptures or holy granths.
Chairing a meeting with officers and representatives of the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha at his official residence, the Chief Minister (CM) said that Punjab is a 'sacred land' of great gurus, saints, and seers who have shown the path of 'mutual love and tolerance'. He emphasised that 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'. Mann reiterated that the state government is firmly committed to ensuring 'exemplary punishment' for the perpetrators of sacrilege incidents.
Mann's announcement came even as two of the state's Bills on sacrilege are pending with the Centre. These two Bills were passed by Punjab Assembly in 2018, under former CM Amarinder Singh. The Centre had termed Punjab's amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to give life imprisonment to sacrilege accused as a 'harsher punishment'. Mann had written to Union Home Ainister Amit Shah in 2023 for getting the President's assent on the two Bills.
The Chief Minister stated that the government would 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, the CM stated that every person involved in these sacrilegious acts, either directly or indirectly, will face exemplary punishment.
Mann said that it is the 'bounden duty' of the state government to ensure that these 'dreaded criminals' are held accountable for their actions. He said that the state government would consult all stakeholders, including religious organisations, in drafting the legislation.
The CM highlighted that while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 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. Mann said that 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.
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