Punjab Assembly Defers Anti-Sacrilege Bill, Passes Law on Bullock Cart Races

The Punjab Assembly did not introduce the expected anti-sacrilege Bill, sparking disappointment among protestors demanding stricter religious protection laws. 

Simultaneously, the House passed new legislation permitting bullock cart races under regulated animal safety norms. Protest groups criticised the government’s focus, highlighting the ongoing protest by Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, who has been atop a telecom tower for over 270 days and is in deteriorating health.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the bullock cart racing law “historic,” claiming it would preserve Punjab’s culture and steer youth away from drugs. The Assembly session has been extended by two days.