Anti-sacrilege bill Highlights : Congress was divided over sacrilege issue in Punjab, says party MLA Pargat Singh
Updates to Live Blog end here
Congress MLA Pargat Singh has revealed that for a long time the Congress party was divided over the sacrilege issue in the state. While one faction was in the favour of resolution, the other was inclined towards politicising the issue.
The anti-sacrilege bill has been sent to the select committee that has been directed to submit the investigation report in 6 months.
Congress MP from Patiala Dr. Dharmvir Gandhi took a sharp jibe over anti-sacrilege bill saying that the proposed bill will be majorly misused.
Punjab leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has accused the Punjab 's AAP government of compromising the secrecy of the assembly by controlling the live proceedings from Delhi. He alleged that an individual identified as Aniket Saxena who is not an employee of Punjab assembly was seen controlling the live proceedings, hence compromising the secrecy of the house. He also asserted that Delhi-based media lobbyist is controlling the live feed of assembly proceedings.
Another low for @AamAadmiParty!Even the sacrosanct Assembly isn’t spared from the Delhi gang’s grip. Here’s what I witnessed yesterday:
— Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) July 15, 2025
???? Outsiders like Aniket Saxena (a known media lobbyist) seen controlling the live feed of Assembly proceedings
⚠️ Sitting in seats meant… pic.twitter.com/DpmYVuOE7k
Leader of Opposition Partap Bajwa said in Sikhism, Guru Granth Sahib was revered as the living Guru and it was wrong to equate it with other scriptures. He said amendments should be made to the proposed legislation.
The session witnessed a face-off between finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira after the former raised the issues of 1986 Nakodar firing. Cheema asserted that Khaira's father was in police when the incident unfolded. Khaira accused Cheema of getting personal when discussions on the sacrilege Bill were under way. Meanwhile the speaker warned Khaira to maintain decorum.
A total time of two hours and 16 minutes have been allotted to Congress to hold discussions over anti-sacrilege bill. However LoP Bajwa said that the designated time needs to be extended to which the speaker agreed. Meanwhile, one hour and 35 minutes is fixed for Aam Aadmi Party, three minutes for Akali Dal, two minutes for BJP, two minutes for BSP and two minutes for Azad.
AAP MLA Nihal Singh Wala says, People are loosing their lives due to rampant issues of stray animals
Punishment up to life imprisonment
Establishment of special court for the trials
No provision of parole during sentence
Anti-sacrilege bill LIVE UPDATES: Tributes paid to Fauja Singh during Punjab special assembly session
Anti-sacrilege bill LIVE UPDATES: The Punjab government tabled anti-sacrilege bill on Monday in Punjab Assembly during special session. The bill is likely to get passed in house unanimously following discussion on the bill.
The bill proposes punishment up to life imprisonment for sacrilegious acts against religious scriptures.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025' in the House.
Following the introduction of the bill, leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged the speaker to hold the discussion on Tuesday owing to the sensitive nature and seriousness of the bill.
Earlier, the bill was approved by the council of ministers during cabinet meeting convened by CM Mann at his residence.
The bill mandates the establishment of special court for the trials of stringent sacrilege crimes. Those found guilty will not have the provision of getting parole while serving their sentence.
The bill will not be an amendment to the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, which has Sections 298 and 299 dealing with crimes related to sacrilege. Instead, the state government has introduced its own legislation.
- PTC NEWS
