HC issues rule on formulating reasonable punishment for hurting religious sentiments
The court directed the law secretary, the cabinet secretary, and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks.
The High Court has issued a rule asking why an order should not be given to formulate a provision for reasonable punishment in cases of hurting religious sentiments.
The court directed the law secretary, the cabinet secretary, and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks.
The rule was issued today (2 December) by the High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Asif Hasan, following a hearing on a writ petition filed on the matter. Advocate Md Golam Kibria, who argued for the petitioner, briefed the media about the order.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Last Sunday, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking directions to enact a law prescribing the death penalty as the maximum punishment in cases filed over hurting religious sentiments.
Speaking to reporters, Golam Kibria said that under the Bangladesh Penal Code, the current maximum punishment for such offences is two years' imprisonment. The new Cyber Security Act also maintains a maximum penalty of two years.
"We believe this punishment is insufficient. As a result, many people feel emboldened to make derogatory or offensive remarks about religious matters," he said.
The petitioner further said they have sought a direction to enact a law prescribing the maximum punishment for offences involving hurting religious sentiments.
"If the maximum penalty is ensured in such cases, no one will dare commit this offence," Golam Kibria added.
