Section 295B — Defiling the Qur’an
Text:
“Whoever wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Qur’an or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.”
Commentary:
- Metric 2: Treats the Qur’an as a legally protected good.
- Metric 3: Book exempt from criticism; sacralized object placed above taxpayers’ sovereignty.
Section 295C — Use of Derogatory Remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet
Text:
“Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”
Commentary:
- Metric 2: Treats Prophet as untouchable sacred good.
Metric 3: Messenger constitutionally exempt from criticism; dissent punishable by death.
