IPC 296→BNS 300

IPC 296 to BNS 300: Disturbing religious assembly

Section 296 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 300 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 296 →View BNS Section 300 →

IPC 296 to BNS 300 at a Glance

Section 296 IPC (Disturbing religious assembly) is now Section 300 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 296 to BNS 300?

Section 296 IPC is now Section 300 BNS. The title, the wording of the offence and the punishment of imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both are identical in substance.

IPC 296 vs BNS 300: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section296300
OffenceDisturbing religious assemblySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.Same
FineThe court may impose fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no maximum fine.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 296 and BNS 300: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 296, IPC 1860

296. Disturbing religious assembly.—Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to any assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship, or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 300, BNS 2023

Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to any assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship, or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 296 vs BNS 300

Under IPC 296
  1. An assembly is lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies
  2. The accused voluntarily causes disturbance to that assembly
Under BNS 300
  1. Lawful engagement of an assembly in religious worship or religious ceremonies
  2. Voluntary causing of disturbance to that assembly by the accused

What IPC 296 to BNS 300 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 296 IPC (now Section 300 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 300 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 296 to BNS 300

What changed when Section 296 IPC became Section 300 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 300 BNS retains the title, the wording and the punishment of Section 296 IPC without alteration.

Where does Section 296 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 300 BNS, in Chapter XVI, Of Offences Relating to Religion.

Does Section 296 IPC or Section 300 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 296 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 296 IPC. Section 300 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 ·