Punjab Govt Forms Committee for Sacred Religious Texts Bill

Punjab  In a significant move to uphold the sanctity of religious beliefs, the Punjab Legislative Assembly has taken a decisive step by forming a 15-member committee for the proposed Punjab Sacrilege of Sacred Religious Texts Bill. The aim of the bill is to ensure respect and legal protection for all revered religious scriptures. The formation of this committee marks a critical milestone in the legislative process toward curbing incidents of sacrilege in the state.

At the heart of this committee is MLA Balkar Singh Nijjar, who has been appointed as its chairman. Nijjar, known for his deep-rooted understanding of religious sensitivities in Punjab, is expected to guide the committee with a balanced and inclusive approach. The panel includes a mix of senior legislators and legal experts, aiming to maintain neutrality and fairness in shaping the final draft of the bill.

The proposed legislation includes strict provisions, including life imprisonment, for anyone convicted of deliberate desecration of sacred texts. This includes scriptures from all recognized faiths practiced in Punjab. The government emphasizes that the bill is not religion-specific but rather intended to preserve interfaith harmony and protect the emotions of devotees across all communities.

The urgency behind this bill stems from a disturbing increase in sacrilege cases over the past few years, which have often led to social unrest and violent protests in the state. The formation of this committee is seen as a much-needed response to the public’s demand for stronger deterrents and a more structured legal framework.

Reacting to the move, Chairman Nijjar said, “This is not merely a legal matter; it is about honoring the spiritual fabric of our state. The sentiments of people must be protected, and justice must be swift and fair.”

The bill has also sparked discussions within legal and civil rights circles, with concerns raised over the balance between religious respect and freedom of expression. To address such issues, the committee has been empowered to hold consultations with stakeholders from all walks of life—religious leaders, civil society, legal scholars, and community representatives—before finalizing the bill’s draft.

While the state government has assured that the law will not be misused or weaponized against dissent, the emphasis remains on ensuring that malicious acts against any sacred text are met with appropriate consequences.

As Punjab moves forward with this crucial bill, it highlights the broader challenge faced by democratic societies: how to strike a balance between upholding religious sentiments and safeguarding democratic freedoms. If handled thoughtfully, this could become a model framework for other states grappling with similar issues.

The committee is expected to present its recommendations in the upcoming session of the Assembly, where further debates and refinements will likely shape the final version of the bill.