The Punjab Assembly needs to approach the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026 with far greater seriousness than it has demonstrated so far. Following the controversy surrounding the Telecommunications Bill at the federal level, it is now more critical than ever that elected assemblies pass laws that are reasonable, well-considered, and constitutionally sound. Instead, Punjab appears to be following a familiar pattern: a bill is introduced hastily, sent through committee with little public confidence, and only reconsidered after public outcry emerges.
Public Outcry Is Justified
That outcry is justified. There is no dispute that the state has a responsibility to curb genuinely harmful conduct, including gambling networks, the promotion of weapons, online blackmail, impersonation, and other criminal activities. Public safety matters, as does the writ of the state. However, the danger lies in the loose and expansive definition of “anti-social behaviour.” A vague law in the hands of a powerful executive is an invitation to abuse.
Punjab must not move toward a system where officers decide, based on their own interpretation of morality or public order, who deserves surveillance, movement restrictions, blocked identity documents, frozen accounts, or removal from digital spaces. Such punishments belong within the domain of the judiciary. They must follow due process, fair consideration, and an honest trial—not the whims of an official sitting in a plush office.
Sweeping Powers Threaten Civil Liberties
By giving sweeping powers to administrative structures while weakening judicial oversight, the bill blurs the line between governance and arbitrary punishment. It risks turning executive officers into old-school qazis and feudal lords who can decide the fate of citizens in an instant. As a result, the government must withdraw or radically revise the bill.
Any law dealing with public order, digital conduct, and civil liberties must be tightly defined, constitutionally reviewed, and debated in full. We must not create an all-powerful morality police. The bill, as currently drafted, undermines the fundamental principles of justice and due process that are the bedrock of a democratic society.
According to legal experts, the bill’s provisions could lead to widespread misuse, targeting vulnerable populations or political opponents. The lack of clear criteria for what constitutes “anti-social behaviour” leaves too much room for interpretation, potentially violating constitutional guarantees of freedom and equality before the law. The Punjab Assembly must act responsibly to ensure that any legislation respects both public safety and individual rights.
