Punjab's repeated attempts to enact sacrilege law face constitutional challenges
Punjab has persistently tried to enact a stringent sacrilege law, with multiple Bills introduced over a decade, each facing constitutional objections. Earlier attempts in 2016 and 2018, which proposed life imprisonment for sacrilege against specific religious scriptures (Guru Granth Sahib, then extended to Bhagavad Gita, Quran, Bible), were returned by the Centre or President for violating secularism and equality. The latest 2026 law, passed by amending an existing State law related to ceremonial custody of Guru Granth Sahib, is now challenged in the High Court. Critics argue it violates equality by protecting only one faith, lacks proportionality with mandatory minimum sentences, and oversteps federal competence in criminal law.
Key Points
- Punjab has made multiple attempts over a decade to enact stringent sacrilege laws, consistently facing constitutional hurdles.
- Earlier Bills were rejected for violating secular principles and equality by protecting only specific religious scriptures.
- The current 2026 law, which protects only the Guru Granth Sahib, is challenged on grounds of equality, proportionality, and federal competence.
- The article highlights the tension between state legislative efforts to address religious sentiments and constitutional principles of secularism and fundamental rights.
Exam Facts
- Punjab's 2016 Bill proposed life imprisonment for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib.
- The 2018 Bill extended life imprisonment to sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, and Bible.
- The 2026 law amends an existing State law related to ceremonial custody of Guru Granth Sahib.
- Constitutional Articles cited: 19(1)(a), 19(2), 25, 254.
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