CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has drafted a stringent new law on sacrilege, proposing prison terms of up to life for desecration of holy scriptures and holding guardians liable if juvenile or differently abled people on their watch commit the offence.Titled Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Act, 2025, the bill prescribes a minimum sentence of 10 years for sacrilege. If such acts lead to communal violence causing death or damage to property, punishment could range from 20 years to the remainder of natural life, plus fines between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. Parole or furlough will be barred for convicts receiving the highest punishment or defaulting on fines.A second or repeat conviction may result in life imprisonment or incarceration for the convict’s natural life.Those tasked with religious duties – face the harshest punishment if found guilty under the proposed legislation. Parents or natural guardians who “deliberately or otherwise omit or fail to perform their duty to control and manage” juveniles or differently abled people accused of sacrilege will also be held accountable under the law.The bill covers conspiracy, abetment, or obstruction of religious practices. Instigators or those disturbing religious ceremonies will be prosecuted under the same law. The draft defines sacrilege as any act of “insult, dishonour, damage, defacing, disfiguring, de-colouring, defiling, decomposing, burning, breaking, or tearing” of sacred texts, or any act intended to cause such damage. Holy scriptures listed include Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and the Bible. The bill mandates three to five years of jail and up to Rs 3 lakh fine for attempted sacrilege.
