Retrograde move

Retrograde move

News:

1. Life term imprisonment for Sacrilege of religious text.

Important facts:

2. Punjab cabinet approves life term imprisonment for sacrilege of religious books/texts.

Sacrilege – violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.

3. Though center has returned the bill and aiming at providing protection to Bible, Koran and Bhagwat Gita as well.

4. Developing arguments against new proposed law.

• Protecting Holy book of one religion is anti-secular and discriminatory against other religion.
• Section 295-A is already in Place which makes deliberate attempt to hurt religious sentiments a punishable offence with imprisonment of 3 years.
• Most importantly, section 295-A of IPSC deals with religion and religious beliefs, punishment under section 295-AA explicitly for religious text would be disproportionate.
• Misuse of law in guise of protecting religion sentiments.
• Against the spirit of right to free speech.

5. To prosecute someone, amendment in CrPC is also required with prior permission from state and center.

6. Thorough reading of section 295-A and section 153-A of IPC is required before prosecuting people in the name of protecting the feelings of society.