Chandigarh,15 July 2025 : A heated debate is underway in the Punjab Assembly over the sacrilege bill. Various leaders are presenting their views on the bill in the House. Speaking in the Assembly, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that this bill is connected to the faith of millions of people. He emphasized that countless Sikhs have sacrificed their lives for the protection of Sikhism.
Targeting the Akali Dal, Bains said, “Those whom we entrusted with serving our faith, and who called themselves its protectors, ended up insulting the teachings of our Gurus and amassing personal wealth.”
He further stated that peaceful protesters (sangat) were fired upon purely for political gains, and even today, the guilty have not backed down from their stance. Bains alleged that during previous governments, there was a tacit understanding to sell drugs and allow sacrilege of Guru Granths — a deep conspiracy against Sikhism.
Presenting the legal aspects of the bill in the Assembly, he said it includes references to all religious scriptures. Any act of tampering, burning, abusing, or tearing such scriptures will be considered a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense.
The trial for such crimes will be held in a sessions court, and investigations can only be carried out by a DSP or higher-ranking officer. Anyone found guilty will face a minimum sentence of 10 years or life imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Anyone found even indirectly involved in such heinous acts may face 3 to 5 years in prison.
The bill has been unanimously referred to the Select Committee for review. The minister expressed hope that once passed, this law will significantly curb incidents of sacrilege.
Summary:
Punjab’s new bill mandates 10 years to life imprisonment and hefty fines for sacrilege of any holy scripture, with strict legal provisions and attempted offense penalties.