Sacrilege Law: Committee Invites Public Suggestions; WhatsApp Number and Email Released
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 31, 2025 —
In a landmark and transparent move to prevent sacrilege and protect religious sentiments in Punjab, the Mann government is preparing the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 — poised to be the state’s toughest law on this sensitive issue. Uniquely, the law-making process invites direct public participation, with the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s Select Committee actively seeking suggestions from citizens until August 31, 2025.
How to Participate and Submit Suggestions
To ensure an inclusive formulation process, the Assembly has opened multiple convenient channels and accepts inputs in four languages: Punjabi, Hindi, English, and Urdu. Citizens can send their proposals through:
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Via MLA: Send suggestions to the respective legislator of your Assembly constituency.
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WhatsApp: Directly submit suggestions on mobile number 80544-95560.
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Email: Proposals can be emailed to secy-vs-punjab@nic.in or pvs.legislation@gmail.com.
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Post or Phone: For further assistance, contact the Punjab Assembly office at 0172-2740786.
Drafting Process and Timeline
The Select Committee has been given six months to prepare the comprehensive draft of the Bill. Having held two meetings so far, the committee now plans to conduct weekly sessions each Tuesday to incorporate public feedback and expert opinions. The committee is mandated to consult widely—including religious institutions, NGOs, scholars, and community leaders—to ensure a balanced and effective law.
Definition and Scope
The Bill clearly defines “Holy Scripture(s)” as sacred texts revered by any religion, explicitly including the Guru Granth Sahib (with Pothis and Gutkas), Shri Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and Holy Bible. The legislation aims to comprehensively cover all religious scriptures to protect the spiritual sentiments of all faith communities.
Government’s Objective
The Punjab government’s initiative seeks to enact a universally accepted, stringent law that decisively prohibits any acts of sacrilege against holy scriptures, safeguarding communal harmony and reverence across the state for years to come.
This citizen-centric approach marks a significant step in empowering the public to shape legislation reflecting community values and ensuring respect for all religions through effective legal instruments.