A bill proposing life imprisonment for desecration of religious texts was introduced in the Punjab Assembly. The bill has been sent to a select committee, which will submit a report within 6 months, incorporating public opinion.
Punjab News: The Punjab Assembly has referred a bill proposing imprisonment up to life for the desecration of religious texts to a select committee. This proposal, introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will now seek opinions from the public and religious organizations. The committee will present its report in six months.
Step towards strict laws for the respect of religious texts
The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards categorizing the desecration of religious texts as a serious offense. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the 'Punjab Prevention of Offenses Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025' in the Assembly, which has now been sent to the Assembly's select committee for detailed discussion and suggestions.
Public and religious organizations to be consulted
Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed that the select committee would present its report on the bill within six months. During this period, the public, religious organizations, and representatives of various political parties in the state will be consulted on the issue. This will help in making the bill more balanced, in accordance with the sentiments of all communities.
Proposal for strict punishment in cases of desecration
The bill stipulates that if a person insults holy scriptures like the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, or Bible, they could face a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. In addition, the guilty may have to pay a fine ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Punishment also determined for attempting desecration
The bill also provides for punishment for those who only attempt to commit the offense. Such individuals can be imprisoned for three to five years and may be fined a maximum of ₹3 lakh.
What will be included in the definition of the offense
According to the bill, desecration, burning, tearing, damaging, breaking, or defacing any religious text or its parts will be considered an offense. Moreover, individuals who assist in these acts will also be punished equally.
Approved in the cabinet meeting
The bill had already been approved in a state cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. The government believes that the desecration of religious texts is not only an attack on faith but also a threat to peace and harmony in society.
CM's statement mentioning the 2015 incidents
While introducing the bill in the Assembly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the incidents of desecration that occurred during the Akali-BJP government in 2015 still remain a wound in the minds of the people of Punjab. He said that strict laws are needed to prevent such incidents from being repeated.
The bill has been sent to the select committee to incorporate the views of all political parties. It is believed that the government wants to garner broad support to get this bill passed.
