Chandigarh (National Times): In a pivotal development during the ongoing Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the House unanimously approved the resolution to refer the proposed Sacrilege Bill to a Select Committee for in-depth examination. The committee is expected to submit its report within a six-month timeframe.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will formally constitute the Select Committee, which will be tasked with conducting surveys, gathering stakeholder feedback, and refining the legislative framework around the sensitive issue of sacrilege.
The bill, aimed at addressing incidents of desecration of religious scriptures across communities, has seen growing demand for stronger and more effective legal action. However, members across party lines agreed that the matter required comprehensive public and legal consultation before final enactment.
“This issue touches the core of our communal harmony and religious sentiments. The bill must be airtight, balanced, and just. The Select Committee will help ensure that,” said Speaker Sandhwan while announcing the formation of the committee.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who earlier stressed the need for exemplary punishment in sacrilege cases, welcomed the House’s decision, reiterating that justice must not only be swift but also fair and inclusive. “By referring the bill to the Select Committee, we are ensuring a democratic process that gives voice to all communities affected by such painful incidents,” Mann stated.
The committee will explore instances of sacrilege involving scriptures such as Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Quran Sharif, and the Bhagavad Gita, and consult legal, religious, and civil society experts during its review.
The resolution marks a key step in Punjab’s legislative approach toward preventing and penalizing sacrilege, with lawmakers hoping the final draft of the bill will reflect both the seriousness of the offense and the unity of the state in upholding religious respect and harmony.