Punjab Cabinet Approves Stringent Bill on Sacrilege Offenses

The Punjab Cabinet has given the green light to the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This legislation seeks to impose strict penalties for the grave offense of sacrilege. In a significant move, the bill was introduced in the Vidhan Sabha on the third day of a special session for discussion. Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa requested additional time for legislators to thoroughly examine the bill’s provisions, underscoring its gravity. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan granted approval for the discussion to be extended until tomorrow—Tuesday, which marks the final day of the session. Initially planned as a two-day session, its duration was extended to accommodate more thorough deliberation. In related legislative proceedings, the Punjab Assembly has also unanimously passed the Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, alongside the Punjab Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2025.