Pakistan Penal Code Section 295-B: Defiling of the Holy Quran, life imprisonment penalty
Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) deals with the defiling of the Holy Quran. It states that:
Whoever willfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Quran or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.
The term "defies" is not defined in the PPC, but it is generally understood to mean to treat with disrespect or contempt. The term "unlawful purpose" is also not defined, but it could include using the Quran for magic or sorcery, or selling it for scrap paper.
The punishment for violating Section 295-B is life imprisonment. There is no provision for a lesser punishment, such as a fine or a suspended sentence.
Section 295-B has been controversial since it was enacted in 1982. Some people argue that it is a violation of freedom of speech, while others argue that it is necessary to protect the sanctity of the Holy Quran.