CM Bhagwant Mann during the special session in Punjab Vidhan Sabha on July 14, 2025
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In a significant legislative development, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, during a special session of the Vidhan Sabha on July 14, 2025. The bill proposes life imprisonment and heavy fines for acts of sacrilege against religious scriptures, including the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, and Bible, among others.
The bill aims to address the long-standing demand for stricter laws following incidents of sacrilege and public unrest dating back to 2015. However, the government has deferred further debate on the bill to July 15, allowing legislators and stakeholders more time to examine the provisions and submit feedback.
Under the proposed law, sacrilege is defined as:
“...any sacrilege, damage, destruction, defacing, disfiguring, de-colouring, de-filling, decomposing, burning, breaking or tearing of any holy scripture or part thereof.”
Even attempts to commit such acts, or abetment, are punishable. This broad and detailed definition ensures that the law covers a wide range of acts that may be seen as desecration or disrespect toward religious texts.
| Offence | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Sacrilege | Life imprisonment + ₹5–10 lakh fine |
| Attempt to offend | 3–5 years + ₹3 lakh fine |
| Abetment | Treated as principal offence |
Offences are non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable.
Investigations will be conducted by officers of DSP rank or above.
Cases will be tried in designated Sessions Courts.
Special provisions also hold guardians accountable for offences committed by minors or persons with disabilities.
This is the third major legislative attempt to enact anti-sacrilege laws in Punjab:
2016 (SAD-BJP government): Attempted IPC amendment for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib – rejected by Centre for being religion-specific.
2018 (Congress government): Broadened coverage to all major scriptures via IPC Section 295AA – passed by Punjab Assembly but withheld Presidential assent.
2025 (AAP government): Now introduced as a standalone State Act, avoiding dependence on Central Code amendments.
The Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government has taken a strategic and balanced approach. While taking a decisive stand by introducing the bill, it has postponed final voting until all stakeholders—including religious institutions, legal experts, and civil society—are heard.
“We are committed to enacting this law, but not without respecting the sentiments and suggestions of all faiths,” Mann stated while addressing the House.
Pending final debate and Governor’s assent, the act may become law by the latter half of 2025. A public consultation process will run in parallel with legal vetting by the Advocate General and Legal Remembrancer.
The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 is a landmark move to protect religious sentiments and ensure justice in cases of sacrilege—especially in the wake of unresolved cases from 2015. Bhagwant Mann’s government has acted smartly, responding to political and public demands by presenting a robust legal framework, yet deferring final approval to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and legal soundness.
This measured approach reflects not just legislative intent but political maturity, likely to resonate with both religious leadership and the public at large.
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