In A First, Punjab Assembly Introduces Anti-Sacrilege Bill | Explained

"To preserve religious and communal harmony and fraternity among people of diverse religious beliefs and faiths residing in the Punjab", The Punjab Government introduced the 'The Prevention Of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025' on Monday in the legislative assembly. The Bill proposes punishment up to life imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for committing "offence" under the proposed Act against Holy Scriptures."Holy Scriptures" is defined as any of the following Scriptures considered sacred and held as "Holy" by respective religious denominations and may include Sri Guru Granth Sahib or extracts there of including Pothis and Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif and Holy Bible;The definition of "offence" includes any sacrilege, damage, destruction, de-facing, disfiguring, de-colouring, de-filing, decomposing, burning, breaking or tearing of any Holy Scripture, or part thereof.The words not defined in the Bill to have same meaning as defined within BNS, 2023.The investigation of the offences punishable under the Act is proposed to be conducted by the police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.PunishmentThe Punishment under the Bill is rescued to be not less than ten years and which may extend to life imprisonment and shall also be liable to pay fine of 5 lakhs which may extend unto 10 lakhs."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 upto rupees three lacs," it added.ObjectiveThe Object of the Act stated that in the recent past there have been attempts to disturb peace and communal harmony in the State by committing sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Srimad Bhagwat Gita and holy Quran and any other holy scripture. "Government is determined not to allow such incidents and ensure deterrent action against all those who commit such sacrilege."

In A First, Punjab Assembly Introduces Anti-Sacrilege Bill | Explained

Aiman J. Chishti

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