In a major move to curb sacrilegious acts, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha. The proposed law advocates 10 years to life imprisonment, along with a fine of up to ₹10 lakh, for those found guilty of sacrilege.
Though the Bill was formally tabled in the Assembly this afternoon, its discussion has been postponed to Tuesday. After the debate, it may be referred to a Select Committee for further discussions with stakeholders.
In the proposed Bill, the Holy Scriptures include the Guru Granth Sahib (and its extracts like Pothis and Gutka Sahib), the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible. Under the proposed law, anyone found guilty will have to pay a fine of ₹5 lakh, which can go up to ₹10 lakh. These offences will be cognizable, non-compoundable, and will be handled by a Sessions Court. Only police officers with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or higher will be allowed to investigate these cases.
The new Bill has been introduced after the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2018, earlier passed by the state Assembly, was referred back to the Punjab government by the Centre. The Centre pointed out that since the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) has now replaced the IPC, any changes must be in line with the updated legal framework.
This development also comes in the wake of ongoing protests by activists under the Sarab Dharam Beadbi Roko Kanoon, who have been holding demonstrations in Samana, demanding stricter action against acts of sacrilege.
According to the state government, there have been repeated attempts to disrupt peace and communal harmony in Punjab by committing sacrilege against religious scriptures. The new Bill aims to send out a firm and clear message by recommending tough penalties.
It also includes punishment for anyone who encourages such acts. Those found guilty of instigating or planning such acts like damaging, destroying, defiling, or otherwise disrespecting any holy scripture—or any part of it—could face a jail term of three to five years and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
The Bill was approved by the Punjab Cabinet earlier on Monday and tabled soon after. Before it was introduced, the Assembly was adjourned for an hour, during which Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan met with party representatives to inform them about the introduction of the Bill.
However, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged that more time be given for legislators to study the Bill. “I request you to discuss this on Tuesday. Legislators should ideally get 48 hours to study any Bill. This Bill will have to get the Presidential assent later, so it is important that all party MLAs are well prepared for discussing the Bill,” he said.
Once passed, the new law will apply across Punjab and come into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette. It will override other laws and will not be in derogation of existing laws in force.
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