IPC 295→BNS 298

IPC 295 to BNS 298: Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class

Section 295 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 298 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 295 →View BNS Section 298 →

IPC 295 to BNS 298 at a Glance

Section 295 IPC (Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class) is now Section 298 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 295 to BNS 298?

Section 295 IPC corresponds to Section 298 BNS. The heading in the new Code omits the comma and the word the, while the text of the offence and the punishment of imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both remain unchanged in substance.

IPC 295 vs BNS 298: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section295298
OffenceInjuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any classSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years.Same
FineThe court may impose fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no maximum fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 295 and BNS 298: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 295, IPC 1860

295. Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class.—Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 298, BNS 2023

Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 295 vs BNS 298

Under IPC 295
  1. The accused destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons
  2. The act is done with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons, or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion
Under BNS 298
  1. Destruction, damage or defilement of any place of worship or any object held sacred by any class of persons
  2. An intention thereby to insult the religion of any class of persons, or knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion

What IPC 295 to BNS 298 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 295 IPC (now Section 298 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 298 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 295 to BNS 298

What changed when Section 295 IPC became Section 298 BNS?▼

The substantive offence is unchanged. Section 298 BNS retains the elements and punishment of Section 295 IPC, with slight stylistic variation in the title.

Where does Section 295 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 298 BNS, in Chapter XVI, Of Offences Relating to Religion.

Does Section 295 IPC or Section 298 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 295 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 295 IPC. Section 298 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·