CM-Led Cabinet Approves Historic Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025

New bill seeks to protect holy scriptures across all faiths and uphold communal harmony

In a historic decision aimed at preserving religious sanctity and communal harmony, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025. This sweeping legislation introduces life imprisonment for anyone convicted of committing sacrilege against sacred religious texts.

Addressing Longstanding Public Sentiment and Legal Gaps

During a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Chief Minister’s official residence, the Cabinet expressed concern over repeated incidents of sacrilege in Punjab—particularly involving the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and other revered scriptures—which have hurt religious sentiments and disturbed public order.

A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 covers religious offences under Sections 298 to 300, it lacks sufficiently strict penalties to serve as a deterrent. The new state-specific law fills this critical legal void, offering enhanced penalties to uphold the dignity of all faiths and prevent communal unrest.

Key Provisions of the New Bill

The Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 provides:

• Life imprisonment for desecration of any sacred scripture, including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Holy Bible, Quran Sharif, and other granths.
• 10 years to life for the act of sacrilege.
• 3 to 5 years for attempted sacrilege.
• Proportionate punishment for those abetting the crime.

The law applies equally across all religious communities, aiming to protect the spiritual and cultural ethos of the state while acting as a powerful deterrent against anti-social and disruptive activities.

Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Regulation of Crusher Units & Retailers

In another key decision, the Cabinet also gave a green signal to the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailer Rules, 2025, aimed at formalizing and monitoring the operations of crusher units, stockists, and retailers involved in sand and gravel trade.

The rules, framed under the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailer Act, 2025, are designed to:

• Curb the use of illegally mined minerals.
• Streamline licensing, reporting, and compliance.
• Enhance transparency in sand and gravel procurement.
• Encourage eco-friendly and legally sound operations.

The framework introduces standard procedures, designated authorities, timelines, and compliance mechanisms to ensure accountable and sustainable management of natural resources across the state.