IPC 295A→BNS 299

IPC 295A to BNS 299: Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs

Section 295A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 299 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 295A →View BNS Section 299 →

IPC 295A to BNS 299 at a Glance

Section 295A IPC (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) is now Section 299 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 295A to BNS 299?

Section 295A IPC is now Section 299 BNS. The definition in Section 299 BNS expressly adds the words or through electronic means to the list of media by which the insult may be conveyed. The core mental element requiring deliberate and malicious intention, the remaining text of the offence and the punishment of imprisonment for up to three years, or fine, or both remain unchanged.

IPC 295A vs BNS 299: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section295A299
OffenceDeliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefsSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.Same
FineThe court may impose fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no limit on the fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 295A and BNS 299: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 295A, IPC 1860

295A. Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.—Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 299, BNS 2023

Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic means or otherwise, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 295A vs BNS 299

Under IPC 295A
  1. The accused acted with deliberate and malicious intention to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India
  2. The act insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class
  3. The insult or attempt is conveyed by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representations, or otherwise
Under BNS 299
  1. Deliberate and malicious intention to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India
  2. Insult or attempt to insult the religion or religious beliefs of that class
  3. Conveyance of the insult by words, signs, visible representations, electronic means or otherwise

What IPC 295A to BNS 299 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 295A IPC (now Section 299 BNS): the legal test of deliberate and malicious intention remains the same, but Section 299 BNS now expressly names insults conveyed through electronic means.

FAQs: IPC 295A to BNS 299

What changed when Section 295A IPC became Section 299 BNS?▼

Section 299 BNS adds the phrase or through electronic means to the methods of insulting religion. The mental element of deliberate and malicious intention and the punishment of up to three years imprisonment, or fine, or both remain the same.

Where does Section 295A IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 299 BNS, in Chapter XVI, Of Offences Relating to Religion.

Does Section 295A IPC or Section 299 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 295A 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 295A IPC. Section 299 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 ·