Latest news with #ThePunjabPreventionofOffencesAgainstHolyScripture
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
India's First Anti-Sacrilege Bill: What AAP's Punjab Move Means for Religious Offences
Last Updated: Sacrilege includes any act that defaces, damages, burns, tears, or otherwise desecrates a holy scripture or any of its parts The Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), introduced a new and stringent Bill aimed at preventing religious sacrilege on Monday. Titled The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, the proposed legislation has stirred both support and controversy for its sweeping provisions and harsh punishments. News18 takes a detailed look at the Bill, what counts as sacrilege, and why the move matters. What Is the Anti-Sacrilege Bill? The Punjab cabinet approved the draft of what it calls India's first comprehensive anti-sacrilege legislation. The Bill seeks to criminalise acts of desecration or insult to sacred religious texts of all faiths, including the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Bible, and Quran Sharif. According to NDTV, the Bill applies across faiths and aims to send a strong deterrent message after years of repeated sacrilege incidents in the state. The proposed law was introduced during a special session of the Punjab Assembly and will be examined by a select committee before it can become a law. What Counts as 'Sacrilege'? Under the Bill, sacrilege is defined broadly. It includes any act that defaces, damages, burns, tears, or otherwise desecrates a holy scripture or any of its parts. This includes deliberate attempts to insult a religion through such acts. As per Moneycontrol, the definition goes beyond physical damage to include any wilful act perceived as an insult to the holy book's sanctity. Supporters argue this is necessary to uphold religious sentiments, while critics warn that such broad definitions could be misused. Why Has the Law Been Proposed Now? Punjab has witnessed several high-profile incidents of sacrilege, particularly since 2015. The desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari and police firing on protesters in Behbal Kalan became flashpoints for public anger. Since then, demands for stricter legal action have grown. Previous governments attempted to introduce similar laws. The SAD-BJP coalition passed amendments in 2016, and the Congress government followed with its own version in 2018. However, those efforts failed after objections from the Centre, particularly over singling out one religion. The current Bill, according to The Tribune, has been worded to apply equally to scriptures of all religions in an effort to withstand legal scrutiny. Adding urgency to the matter was a recent protest by social activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who spent over 270 days atop a mobile tower demanding action against sacrilege. His protest helped bring public and political attention back to the issue. What Punishments Does the Bill Propose? The penalties outlined in the bill are severe: • Life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of committing sacrilege against a holy scripture. • A fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh in addition to the prison term. • If the act of sacrilege leads to communal violence, injury, or death, the punishment escalates to a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment, with fines up to Rs 20 lakh. • The Bill also states that those convicted will not be eligible for parole. Attempts to commit sacrilege will attract 3-5 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. Abetment of the offence is punishable similarly to committing it. There is also a unique provision that holds guardians liable: if a minor or a person with a disability commits sacrilege, their parent or guardian may face prosecution, depending on the circumstances. The offences under this Bill are non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable. Only a police officer of the rank of DSP or above will be allowed to investigate such cases. AAP Vs Congress On Bill The discussion on the Bill was deferred to Tuesday after Leader of Opposition, Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa, said members need time to prepare to share their views on the Bill. 'How can we debate on such a delicate issue without going through the draft?" he asked. However, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann trained his guns on Bajwa. 'I introduced the Bill. It should be considered immediately. Bajwa-ji is saying he has no information about the Bill. It is sad that if he does not have information about the desecration of Guru Sahib, then where has he been? Ask a five-year-old child what happened in Bargari? What happened in Behbal Kalan? What happened in Kotkapura? 'He says that he will come tomorrow [Tuesday] after preparing. We said okay. Surprisingly, the Congress has to prepare even in the case of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. They cannot talk without doing homework. No problem, come tomorrow after preparing. We will discuss tomorrow," he said. Responding to the criticism, Bajwa said: 'The Punjab chief minister had promised that if his party comes to power, it will do justice in sacrilege cases within 24 hours. But even today, after three-and-a-half years of this government, they do not even have a rough draft ready for this. You will be surprised that a similar Bill was brought by the Congress government in 2018. I would like to tell the House that the Bill was passed unanimously." About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! 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Time of India
5 days ago
- 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
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Punjab's new anti-sacrilege law proposes minimum 10 yrs jail which may extend to life; parents to be made party if accused juvenile
CHANDIGARH: Punjab govt's proposed law against sacrilege aims to make parents or natural guardians, who 'deliberately or otherwise omit or fail to perform their duty to control and manage an accused juvenile or differently abled person', party to the offence. The draft of the proposed bill, 'The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025', prescribes a minimum jail term of 10 years in case of conviction for sacrilege, which may extend to life imprisonment. If the offence triggers communal riots, leading to the loss of human life or damage to public or private property, the punishment could range from 20 years to the remainder of natural life, plus a fine Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, says the draft proposal. There is no provision of parole or furlough for those getting the maximum sentence or failing to pay fines. A second or subsequent conviction can land the convict in prison for 'life or remainder of natural life'. If a Granthi, Pathi Singh, Sewadar, Ragi, Dhadi, Parbandhak, Pandit, Purohit, Moulvi or Padri — those assigned to perform religious duties related to their holy scriptures — is found guilty of an offence under this law, they will get the maximum punishment provided for that category of offence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo 3-5 years' prison for 'attempt' to commit an act of sacrilege: Draft A second or subsequent conviction can land the convict in prison for 'life or remainder of natural life'. If a Granthi, Pathi Singh, Sewadar, Ragi, Dhadi, Parbandhak, Pandit, Purohit, Moulvi or Padri — those assigned to perform religious duties related to their holy scriptures — is found guilty of an offence under this law, they will get the maximum punishment provided for that category of offence. Those conspiring sacrilege or instigating it will also be tried under this law, as will those who hinder, obstruct or disturb religious worship or religious ceremonies The draft of the proposed Act has been prepared in the leadup to the two-day special session of Vidhan Sabha, which commences on July 10. As a matter of procedure, the draft is to be vetted by the Legal Remembrancer. According to the draft, an officer not below the rank of DSP will conduct the probe and investigation has to be completed within 60 days. The draft mentions 'Holy Scripture(s)' as the ones considered sacred and may include Sri Guru Granth Sahib or extracts thereof including Pothis and Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif and Holy Bible. The punishment for 'attempt' to commit an act of sacrilege, as per the draft, will be imprisonment for three-five years and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. For conspiring, facilitating, instigating, or abetting others to commit any such offence or offences, the proposed jail term is three to five years plus a fine from Rs 3-5 lakh. For causing hindrance, obstruction, or disturbances in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies, the punishment is between five to seven years of jail, and a fine of Rs 5-7 lakh. For attempting to cause any such hindrance, the punishment is between three to five years' jail and a fine Rs 3-5 lakh. It also empowers state govt to constitute special courts consisting of a single judge not below the rank of sessions judge or additional sessions judge, for each sessions division, 'as may be necessary for aspeedy trial'. The draft stipulates that the investigation officer will ensure collection of forensic evidence by an expert and photography and videography of the entire process in the presence of a judicial magistrate, who will also verify and countersign any inventory. After the Oct 2015 incidents of sacrilege and the death of two anti-sacrilege protestors in Punjab put the state on boil and pushed state govt to the wall, the erstwhile SAD-BJP combine govt in March 2016 passed IPC and CrPC amendA ment bills, which recommended life sentences for desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, considered as 'living guru'. The Centre — to which the bills were sent since the amendments pertained to central Acts — returned it, citing the secular nature of the Constitution and saying it could not single out religion. After the change of guard, the Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress govt withdrew the 2016 bills in Aug 2018, and passed the IPC and CrPC amendment bills proposing, in addition to Guru Granth Sahib, life imprisonment for desecration of Gita, Quran, and Bible as well. The bills remained pending with the Centre before being sent back after BNS and BNSS replaced IPC and CrPC
