3 Things 'Death penalty' for sacrilege, Dalai Lama's successor, and a Rs 200 scam
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Jul 9, 2025 Kanchan Vasdev, a reporter for The Indian Express focusing on Punjab, discusses the controversial AAP government's bill proposing the death penalty for sacrilege, igniting intense debates about religious sentiments. Varinder Bhatia, also from The Indian Express, delves into the complexities surrounding the Dalai Lama's succession amid geopolitical tensions with China, highlighting its significance for Tibetans. Lastly, the podcast recounts a fascinating 35-year journey to resolve a ₹200 scam, showcasing an unexpected twist of forgiveness and justice.
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'Death Penalty' for Sacrilege in Punjab
- Punjab's AAP government proposes death penalty for sacrilege against holy scriptures, citing the Guru Granth Sahib as a "living guru."
- Debate persists about whether capital punishment is appropriate or too draconian.
Activist's Tower Protest in Punjab
- Activist Gurjit Singh Khalsa has been atop a 400-foot tower since October 2022, protesting with a hunger strike demanding stricter sacrilege laws.
- Police fear forcibly removing him could cause a repeat of the 2015 sacrilege agitation violence.
Dalai Lama's Evolving Role
- The Dalai Lama evolved from Tibet's spiritual and political leader to a global spiritual figure advocating peace and nonviolence.
- He formally stepped down from political leadership in 2011, modernizing the Tibetan government in exile.