Anti-sacrilege bill Highlights : Congress was divided over sacrilege issue in Punjab, says party MLA Pargat Singh
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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.
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
