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Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Protester unconscious on 274th day of tower protest for anti sacrilege law in Punjab
PATIALA: Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, a 42-year-old activist who has been atop a 400-ft telecom tower in Samana since October 12, 2024, was found unconscious on Friday morning. This incident marks the ninth time he has fainted during his 274-day-long protest advocating for a stringent anti-sacrilege law in Punjab. Sarv Dharm Beadbi Roko Kanoon Morcha coordinator Gurpreet Singh stated that Khalsa's health has steadily deteriorated over the months. "We found him lying unconscious again today. His condition is alarming, yet he refuses to descend unless the law is enacted," Gurpreet Singh said. The protest began as a one-man campaign by Khalsa, a dairy farmer from Khedi Nagaiya village on the Samana–Patran road, and has since developed into a broader interfaith movement supported by various religious leaders and civil society groups across Punjab. In response to increasing public pressure, the Punjab govt recently prepared draft legislation titled The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025. The draft, finalised by a panel of legal experts in consultation with the Morcha team, was submitted to the state on July 3, 2025. While the bill awaits presentation in the Assembly and subsequent assent by the Governor, the govt has now indicated it may seek public suggestions on the proposed legislation, a move the Morcha views as a delay tactic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Neither in 2016 nor in 2018 did the govt seek public feedback when it passed resolutions and sent amendments to the Centre,' Gurpreet Singh pointed out. 'The Centre too never initiated any such process. This can easily spiral into endless discussion.' He added that respected religious leaders from multiple faiths including Rajeshwaranand from Sanatam Dharam, Mr William from Catholic Church in Jalandhar, Shahi Imam from Ludhiana, others have already endorsed the current draft, and that the govt's own ADGP (Law & Order), who coordinated the drafting process, can confirm its authenticity and support. Gurpreet Singh warned of serious consequences, stating, 'If anything happens to Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, this peaceful protest could spiral into something as massive as the Bargari Morcha. The govt must act decisively.' He said protesting Khalsa's health records shows his pulse was 43 whereas BP was high. Khalsa has become a powerful symbol for those demanding legal protections against sacrilege, irrespective of religious affiliation. His persistent protest, despite recurring health setbacks, has resonated with a broad cross-section of Punjab's population, further amplifying calls for legislative action. With his condition turning critical and his supporters growing restless, all eyes are now on the state govt's next move.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- 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.
