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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Anti-sacrilege bill introduced in Punjab Assembly
Chandigarh, The A government on Monday introduced in the Punjab Assembly an anti-sacrilege bill, proposing punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilegious acts against religious scriptures. Anti-sacrilege bill introduced in Punjab Assembly Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025' in the House. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described the sacrilege issue as serious and urged the Speaker to hold the discussion on the bill on Tuesday. Before the start of the third day of the special session of the state Assembly, the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture Bill, 2025 a state-specific law was cleared by the cabinet in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mann here. The bill mandates strict punishment, extending up to life imprisonment, for the desecration of holy scriptures, including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Bible and Quran, an official spokesperson said after the cabinet meeting. With the enactment of the law, the State seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, and amity. It will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators of this heinous crime, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson said there have been numerous incidents in the past involving the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other revered granths, deeply wounding public sentiments and causing unrest in society. While sections 298, 299 and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, address such issues, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, said the spokesperson. 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 granth. Notably, until now, no specific legislation existed that directly addressed offences against 'holy granths', often resulting in leniency or evasion of serious action by culprits, said the spokesperson. This new legislation aims to fill that legal void by criminalising and prescribing punishments for acts of sacrilege across all sects and faiths. Under the proposed law, any person found guilty of sacrilege may face imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life. Those attempting the offence may be sentenced to three to five years, while individuals found abetting the crime will be punished in accordance with the offence committed. PTi CHS VSD RT This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Punjab Cabinet Approves New Bill Proposing Life Term In Sacrilege Cases
Chandigarh: In a move aimed at taking strong action against sacrilege, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. The Chief Minister's Office said, Punjab has witnessed several incidents in recent years involving the desecration of sacred texts, especially the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. These acts have deeply hurt public sentiment and triggered unrest. While existing provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (new penal code) do cover such offences, the state government believes the current penalties are not strong enough to stop such crimes. The Cabinet cleared a state-specific law that will introduce stricter punishment. Under the new bill, those found guilty of desecrating any holy scripture could face life imprisonment. The law will apply to offences against the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Bhagavad Gita, the Holy Bible, the Quran Sharif and other revered religious texts. The state government said the law will not only help preserve communal harmony and peace but also serve as a strong deterrent against those wanting to create trouble in society. Until now, no law in Punjab has directly addressed offences against sacred scriptures. As a result, many cases were either delayed or did not result in serious action. The new bill fills the legal gap by making sacrilege a defined offence, with severe punishment. According to the draft, anyone convicted of committing sacrilege could be sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in jail, going up to life imprisonment. Those attempting the crime could face 3 to 5 years, while individuals helping or encouraging the act will be punished in line with the main offence. Regulations for Crusher Units and Retailers Also Approved In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave its nod to the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailer Rules 2025. These rules are part of a wider effort to crack down on illegal mining and ensure that crusher units and retailers operate under a clear and accountable legal framework. The rules lay out procedures, forms, deadlines, and enforcement mechanisms, aiming to eliminate loopholes, prevent royalty evasion, and put an end to illegal sand and gravel procurement. The new framework is also expected to promote environmentally responsible business practices. Opposition Parties Question Drafting Process The sacrilege bill has already drawn criticism from the opposition. Leaders from the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal said the bill should have been discussed in detail with all political parties and representatives of religious and social groups. They accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of pushing the draft without any broader consultation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to the criticism by clarifying that the government intends to put the draft in the public domain before finalising the law. "This is just the first step. We will invite feedback and consider all opinions before taking it forward," he said.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab Assembly tables draft Anti-Sacrilege Bill which mandates strict penalties, including life imprisonment
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday tabled in the state Assembly the draft Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Sacrilege Bill, which mandates enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those convicted of sacrilege-related crimes. After the Bill was tabled, Leader of Opposition Partap Bajwa sought that the debate on the draft Bill should take place on Tuesday as they need time for the same. The Speaker then announced that the Bill will be debated on Tuesday. The Bill covers sacrilege against sacred books including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Holy Bible, and Quran Sharif, among others. Under the proposed law, any person found guilty of sacrilege may face imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life. Those attempting the offence may be sentenced to three to five years, while individuals found abetting the crime will be punished in accordance with the offence committed. 'With the enactment of this law, the State seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, and amity. It will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators of this heinous crime,' a government statement said. It added that no specific legislation existed that directly addressed offences against holy granths, often resulting in leniency or evasion of serious action by the culprits. This new Act aims to fill that legal void by criminalising and prescribing punishments for acts of sacrilege across all sects and faiths. The government had summoned a special session of Vidhan Sabha to table the Bill following protests by Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, a Patiala native who has been protesting atop a telecom tower seeking stricter legislation over sacrilege involving holy books. The Cabinet note stated that there have been numerous incidents in the past involving the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other revered books, deeply wounding public sentiment and causing unrest in society. While sections 298, 299, and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) address such issues, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent. 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, it said.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab bill proposes life term if acts of sacrilegelead to riots, deaths
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (File photo) CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has drafted a stringent new law on sacrilege, proposing prison terms of up to life for desecration of holy scriptures and holding guardians liable if juvenile or differently abled people on their watch commit the offence. Titled Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025, the bill prescribes a minimum sentence of 10 years for sacrilege. If such acts lead to communal violence causing death or damage to property, punishment could range from 20 years to the remainder of natural life, plus fines between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. Parole or furlough will be barred for convicts receiving the highest punishment or defaulting on fines. A second or repeat conviction may result in life imprisonment or incarceration for the convict's natural life. Those tasked with religious duties - face the harshest punishment if found guilty under the proposed legislation. Parents or natural guardians who "deliberately or otherwise omit or fail to perform their duty to control and manage" juveniles or differently abled people accused of sacrilege will also be held accountable under the law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The bill covers conspiracy, abetment, or obstruction of religious practices. Instigators or those disturbing religious ceremonies will be prosecuted under the same law. The draft defines sacrilege as any act of "insult, dishonour, damage, defacing, disfiguring, de-colouring, defiling, decomposing, burning, breaking, or tearing" of sacred texts, or any act intended to cause such damage. Holy scriptures listed include Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and the Bible. The bill mandates three to five years of jail and up to Rs 3 lakh fine for attempted sacrilege.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SGPC urges Centre to ensure safety of gurdwaras, saroops in Iran, Israel
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Thursday urged the Government of India to immediately take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of gurdwaras and the sacred saroops (scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Iran and Israel in view of the ongoing war between the two countries in West Asia. In a statement, Dhami said Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the highest reverence for the Sikh community and ensuring the respect and protection is of utmost importance. He said due to the current volatile conditions in Iran and Israel, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of gurdwaras and sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib there. He said that the Centre must use its diplomatic relations and international platforms to engage with the governments of Iran and Israel to ensure that no harm comes to the gurdwaras or the saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and their sanctity is fully preserved. Dhami appealed to Sikhs in Iran and Israel to remain in touch with the local authorities to help protect the gurdwaras and saroops. He said that the SGPC is monitoring the situation closely and expects the Government of India to act promptly and sensitively on this issue.
