Punjab Assembly Refers Anti-Sacrilege Bill to Select Committee for Public Opinion

• The Punjab Assembly has unanimously decided to refer a bill proposing punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilege acts against religious scriptures to a select committee.

• 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.

• The bill proposes punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for sacrilege, with a fine of ₹5 lakh, which may extend up to ₹10 lakh.

• Attempters to commit the offence may be sentenced to three to five years and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.

• The offences punishable under the legislation will be cognizable, nonbailable, and non-compoundable and will be tried by a session court.