Punjab Legislative Assembly Extends Holy Scriptures Bill Review by Six Months
Punjab extends select panel term on holy scriptures bill by six months
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Punjab Legislative Assembly has granted a six-month extension to a 15-member select committee reviewing the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025.' Led by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar, the committee aims to enhance penalties for the desecration of religious texts, with discussions ongoing until July 5, 2025.
- 01The select committee's term has been extended by six months until July 5, 2025.
- 02The committee, led by Inderbir Singh Nijjar, is reviewing legislation to impose stricter penalties for desecrating religious scriptures.
- 03A total of 564 suggestions have been received regarding the bill, indicating significant public interest.
- 04The committee is also examining the 1986 Nakodar firing incident related to protests against scripture desecration.
- 05The Chief Minister clarified that the committee's report will cover all religious scriptures, not just the Guru Granth Sahib.
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On Monday, the Punjab Legislative Assembly approved a six-month extension for a select committee reviewing the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025.' This 15-member panel, led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar, was formed in July 2022 to assess proposed legislation aimed at imposing stricter penalties for acts of desecration against various religious scriptures. The extension, effective from January 6 to July 5, 2025, follows the receipt of 564 suggestions from the public, highlighting the community's engagement with the issue. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the need for further discussions to ensure comprehensive legislation. Additionally, the committee is tasked with investigating the 1986 Nakodar firing incident, where police actions resulted in the deaths of four protesters advocating against the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. Mann clarified that the committee's findings will address all religious scriptures, responding to opposition concerns regarding the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) bill.
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The extension of the committee's review period allows for more public input and thorough examination of the proposed bill, which could lead to significant changes in how religious desecration is addressed in Punjab.
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