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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab Vidhan Sabha sends anti-sacrilege Bill draft to select committee for consultation with public and all stakeholders
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously referred the draft of the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill 2025, which provides punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilege, to a select committee that will discuss the legislation with the public and all stakeholders and submit its suggestions within six months. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said he would constitute the select committee comprising representatives of all political parties. Earlier, speaking about the Bill, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann suggested the Bill should not be passed in haste. 'I propose it should be handed over to the select committee. Let us not pass it in haste. Let us seek the opinion of the 3.5 crore people of the state. Let us give it three to four months. People should also feel that they have been consulted. It is their Bill,' he said. Mann asked the Speaker to make it time-bound, 'There should be nominees of all political parties. Let us talk to the public like the parliamentary standing committee. The select committee can talk to the public.' The Speaker said the select committee should be given six months. Mann then asked if the select committee could submit its report in four months. The Speaker said that six months would be the upper limit of the deadline. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, 'Six months would be appropriate. The committee should not take longer.' The Speaker then asked the House if the proposal should be passed unanimously and all legislators passed it unanimously. Mann introduced the Bill in the Vidhan Sabha on Monday. It came up for a debate in Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday. After the debate, it was referred to the select committee. The offence(s) punishable under this Act shall be cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, triable by a session court. The investigation of the offence (s) punishable under this Act shall be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of deputy superintendent of police. According to the draft Bill, any person who commits an offence under this Act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years and which may extend to life imprisonment, and shall also be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh which may extend upto Rs 10 lakh. Any person who attempts to commit an offence under this Act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years and which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine which may extend up to Rs 3 lakh. Any person who abets to commit an offence under this Act shall, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, be punished with the punishment provided for the offence, said the draft. An Act or offence is said to be committed in consequence of abetment when it is committed in consequence of the instigation, or in pursuance of the conspiracy, or with the aid which constitutes the abetment. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force. To remove any difficulty in the implementation of the provisions of this Act or to remove any ambiguity, the state government may, by an order published in the official gazette, make such provision not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, but no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of the Act. The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force or any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act. According to the statement of objectives and reasons of the Bill, there have been attempts to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the state by committing sacrilege of the Sri Guru Granth SahibJi, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and other holy scriptures. The government said it was determined not to allow such incidents and ensure deterrent action against all those who commit such sacrilege. The proposed Bill aims to achieve this objective by providing life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege. In the draft, 'holy scriptures' are defined as any of the scriptures considered sacred and held as 'holy' by respective religious denominations and may include the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or extracts thereof including Pothis and Gutka Sahib, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible. An 'offence' means and includes any sacrilege, damage, destruction, defacing, disfiguring, decolouring, defiling, decomposing, burning, breaking or tearing of any holy scripture or part thereof. The words and expressions used but not defined in this Act shall have the same meanings as, respectively, assigned to them in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. While BNS sections 298, 299, and 300 address such issues, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, a Cabinet note said. The Cabinet note stated that there have been numerous incidents in the past involving the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and other revered holy books, deeply wounding public sentiment and causing unrest in society. Considering the gravity of such offences and the imperative to preserve communal harmony and religious sanctity, the Cabinet found it necessary to introduce state-specific legislation providing enhanced penalties—including life imprisonment—for those convicted of sacrilege against any holy scripture, the note added.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Joy in Kila Raipur as bill paves way for return of bullock cart races
The bullock cart races of Kila Raipur are all set to make a comeback, with Punjab Vidhan Sabha passing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, clearing the legal roadblocks that had long stalled these traditional races. The president of the Kila Raipur Sports Association, Col Surinder Singh (retd), expressed his happiness and thanked everyone who supported the cause. (HT Photo) President Droupadi Murmu had already given her assent to the bill earlier this year on February 27, paving the way for the resumption of bullock cart racing under certain conditions. With the Punjab assembly now formally passing the bill, organisers can once again begin preparing for the return of one of the Punjab's oldest rural sporting traditions. The president of the Kila Raipur Sports Association, Col Surinder Singh (retd), expressed his happiness and thanked everyone who supported the cause. 'It is a historic day for us. After years of legal hurdles and tireless efforts by our association, the path has finally cleared. This sport is not just a competition, it's our heritage,' he said. Col Singh recalled the difficulties faced by the organisers over the past decade. 'After the Supreme Court's 2014 ban, it became nearly impossible to organise bullock cart races. While states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka fought alongside their governments and succeeded in getting laws passed for Jallikattu and Kambala, here in Punjab, our association had to fight the case on its own — from the high court to the Supreme Court — without any financial help from the government,' he said. He added, 'We sent a proposal to the President back in 2019, and after years of delay, we received assent in 2024. Now, with the bill passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, it is time the state issues clear guidelines to all deputy commissioners to allow these races at village fairs.' The event, famously known as the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, has been celebrated since the 1930s and gained global attention for its display of traditional Punjabi sports. The bullock cart race was the star attraction — until the 2014 ban under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 brought it to a halt. As per the new law, strict conditions will govern the conduct of such races. These include the presence of a veterinary team during the event, ensuring animals are fit and healthy, that races are not conducted under extreme heat, and other welfare measures in line with animal safety rules. Nirmal Singh, general secretary of Malwa Doaba Bullock Association said, 'We have made untiring efforts from the past 14 years and our efforts have borne fruits and all the bullock cart racers are happy and eagerly waiting for the race'. With the bill now officially in place, villagers, sports fans, and traditionalists are eagerly waiting for the return of thunderous hoofbeats at the tracks of Kila Raipur.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab BJP holds protests against CM Bhagwant Mann for remarks against PM Modi
The BJP's Punjab unit on Saturday held demonstrations at many places in the state against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's remarks criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits. CM Bhagwant Mann speaking during the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session in Chandigarh on Friday.(Ravi Kumar/HT Photo) The BJP leaders and workers shouted slogans against Mann and also burnt his effigies. Party leader Tarun Chugh slammed the CM's remarks as "vile and disgraceful". Chugh said Mann is "drunk with power and arrogance" to the point where he doesn't even know what he is saying. "He's attacking a prime minister who's been elected three times by the people of India with a historic mandate. A leader whose integrity over 25 years of public life is spotless. A leader whose vision is echoing across the world. And Mann has the audacity to mock him," he said. "Dragging Home Minister Amit Shah's name into this reflects Mann's frustration," Chugh said. "He's the Home Minister who crushed terrorism, dismantled Naxal networks, and strengthened India's internal security. Under his leadership, the BJP became the world's largest political party." Punjab BJP leader Anil Sarin too hit out at Mann, saying the chief minister has forgotten the decorum and dignity of constitutional posts. The kind of language he used against the PM inside and outside of the House cannot be tolerated, said Sarin. On Thursday, Mann had criticised Modi for "celebrating" the foreign honour from a country with a population of just 10,000 while "neglecting" the nation's pressing issues. The Ministry of External Affairs had also termed Mann's remarks as "irresponsible". Despite the MEA disapproving of his comments, Mann on Friday again raked up the issue, this time in the state assembly, and asked him to "address the concerns" of 140 crore Indians. On MEA's reaction, Mann asked whether he did not have a right to ask questions about foreign policy. On Thursday, Mann had said, "Pradhan Mantri ji has gone to Ghana? Has he come back from Ghana? Will he come back today? He will be welcomed upon his return to the country." "... He is not staying in the country where 140 crore people live. The countries that he is visiting have a population of 10,000. And he got the biggest award there. Over here, 10,000 people gather to watch the JCB machine (earth-moving machine)," Mann had said. Participating in a debate over the resolution against the deployment of CISF personnel at the Bhakra-Nangal project during the second day of the Punjab assembly on Friday, Mann again said that the prime minister has no time to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians but has time to tour abroad. "The MEA has reacted. Don't we have a right to ask the PM about foreign policy? Do the countries that he visits support our nation afterwards? When our relations with Pakistan deteriorated, did any country stand by us?" asked Mann. "He visits the countries 'Magneshia, Tarveshia, Garveshia' (sic), do not know where these countries are. Pradhan Mantri sahib got the biggest award there. What is the population there? It is 9,500. I said that many people gather just to watch the JCB machine here," Mann said. Later, while speaking to the media on Friday, Mann again asked, "Don't I have a right to question about the foreign policy that what are you going to do there? What have you done there? Tell us. Don't we have the right?" Mann also took a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bill on resuming bullock cart races passed unanimously; ‘historic': Punjab CM Mann
The draft of the ant-sacrilege Bill was not tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Friday, despite an assurance from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a day earlier, even as the House passed the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, paving way for the resumption of bullock cart racing in the state. The government, however, extended the duration of the two-day special session by two more days amid speculations that it may table the Bill then. This, however, evoked a strong reaction from Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha, an organisation whose activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has been protesting atop a 400-ft telecom tower for the last over 270 days demanding a law on sacrilege. It was following a meeting with the Morcha on June 28 that Mann had announced that his government would bring a law for stricter punishment for sacrilege acts. Morcha convenor Gurpreet Singh questioned the urgency behind passing the Bill providing for resumption of bullock cart races in the state. 'The bullock cart races are more important for the government than the life of a Sikh, who has been protesting atop a 400-feet tower for over 270 days,' he said. Gurpreet said after listening to Mann on Thursday, the Morcha had planned to get Khalsa down from the tower. 'But the Bill was not tabled. Khalsa's condition has worsened. He is lying unconscious since morning. A youth, who had climbed up to meet him in the morning, reported that he is in a bad shape. We are now sending a lab technician up to get his tests done. It is unfortunate that he will be able to suffer for four more days…' 'The special session was called for the anti-sacrilege Bill. They should have tabled it,' said Gurpreet. On Thursday, Mann had said that the draft of the Bill will be tabled in the Assembly on Friday following which it would be handed over to the consultative committee of the Vidhan Sabha. Meanwhile, on Friday, Mann termed as 'historic' the passage of the Bill that allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab while implementing safety measures for the animals involved in the sport. Bullock cart races have not taken place at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district— often referred to as the 'mini or rural Olympics'— since a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 banned the races for violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. 'Considering the important role played by bullock cart racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the state of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of bullock cart racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960,' an official order read. Therefore, the government has decided to amend the said Central Act 59 of 1960 in its application to the State of Punjab. Accordingly, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, is being passed, it further added. Sharing positive aspects about the race, Mann said cattle have been integral parts of the agrarian economy of the state, and the Punjabi farmers have raised them as their offspring for ages. Those who keep bullocks consider them as their 'own sons', he said. 'We have included a clause in the bill stating that bullock cart operators will not be allowed to carry sticks during races,' he added. The chief minister also announced that races would not only take place in Kila Raipur but also across the state, emphasising that these rural games are an essential part of Punjab's cultural fabric. He stressed that the bill aims to promote rural sports like bullock cart racing while ensuring the welfare of the animals involved.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Key bills to revive bullock cart race, setting up of 2 pvt varsities passed
Chandigarh: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Thursday passed several important Bills, including one that will lead to the setting up of two new private universities, besides clearing amendments related to labour welfare, commercial establishments and animal rights. The amendments to the state's animal welfare law paves the way for the return of the traditional bullock cart race at the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Thursday passed several important Bills, including one that will lead to the setting up of two new private universities, besides clearing amendments related to labour welfare, commercial establishments and animal rights. The amendments to the state's animal welfare law paves the way for the return of the traditional bullock cart race at the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics. The assembly passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill that not only introduces stricter penalties for animal cruelty but also allows the resumption of traditional sports involving animals, subject to regulation. The amendment enables the revival of the bullock cart race during the annual Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, a celebrated sporting festival in Punjab that showcases rural strength and heritage. The bullock cart race had been discontinued following a Supreme Court ban amid animal welfare concerns. The amended law brings clarity by allowing such cultural sports under a regulated framework that ensures animal safety and ethical treatment, drawing parallels from similar permissions granted for traditional sports like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann defended the move to revive the traditional bullock cart race, saying those who participate in such races treat their bullocks like family, nourishing them 'like their own sons', drawing a parallel with Tamil Nadu's Jallikattu, Mann argued that these cultural sports are rooted in tradition and deserve recognition. 'We have added strict conditions in the Bill — no cruelty or force will be allowed on animals during the races,' Mann said. He recited couplets of Punjabi poet Sant Ram Udasi to underscore the cultural significance of the move, saying the Bill is aimed at promoting the rural ethos of Punjab. 'This legislation isn't just for Kila Raipur, it will open the doors for such traditional races across the state,' Mann said. The House also approved the Rayat Bahra Professional University Bill and the CGC University Bill, allowing the establishment of the two new private universities. Rayat Bahra Professional University will come up in Hoshiarpur, and CGC University will be set up in Mohali. The Bills, introduced by state higher education minister Harjot Singh Bains, were earlier cleared by the cabinet. These institutions will promote private participation in higher education and focus on technical and professional courses under a regulated framework, ensuring compliance with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. Speaking on the issue, Sultanpur Lodhi Independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh said instead of promoting the private sector, government-run universities should be opened. He demanded a university to be set up at Jabbowal village, where a structure has already been built by the higher education department, in his constituency. Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond introduced the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which were unanimously passed by the members of the Vidhan Sabha. Sond said these Bills will promote ease of doing business and reduce compliance burden on small enterprises. All establishments employing up to 20 workers will be exempted from all the provisions of the Act. However all such establishments will have to give information to the inspector within six months of coming into force of the act or start of business. To improve the overall earning of the employees. The overtime in a quarter is being increased from 50 hours to 144 hours. Accordingly the spread over the period of work in a day has been increased from 10 hours to 12 hours which includes an interval for rest. However, overtime at double the rate will have to be paid for hours beyond 9 hours a day and 48 hours a week. All bills were passed with a majority voice vote with Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan presiding over the session.
