Bill sent for public feedback

The Punjab Assembly Tuesday unanimously decided to refer a bill proposing punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilege acts against religious scriptures to a select committee of the House to seek public opinion on the proposed legislation.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

On the concluding day of the special session of the Assembly, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said the panel will submit its report on the bill within six months after taking public opinion.

The move came after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann proposed the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, be sent to the select committee that may include representatives of all political parties for it to seek the opinion of the people and religious bodies.

The anti-sacrilege bill was introduced in the House by CM Mann Monday, saying there must be stringent punishment for those involved in the desecration of religious scriptures.

While wrapping up a discussion on the bill, he referred to the sacrilege incidents of 2015 under the SAD-BJP rule and said there cannot be a bigger crime than sacrilegious acts.

"Strictest punishment be given for the sacrilege acts against religious scriptures. Those who burn them, those tear them, there cannot be a bigger crime than this," he said.