IPC 298→BNS 302

IPC 298 to BNS 302: Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings

Section 298 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 302 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 298 →View BNS Section 302 →

IPC 298 to BNS 302 at a Glance

Section 298 IPC (Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) is now Section 302 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 298 to BNS 302?

Section 298 IPC is now Section 302 BNS. The heading in Section 302 BNS adds of any person at the end, while the text of the offence and the punishment of imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both remain unchanged.

IPC 298 vs BNS 302: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section298302
OffenceUttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelingsSame
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
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 298 and BNS 302: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 298, IPC 1860

298. Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings.—Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that person or places any object in the sight of that person, 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 302, BNS 2023

Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that person or places any object in the sight of that person, 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 298 vs BNS 302

Under IPC 298
  1. The accused utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of a person, or makes any gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person
  2. The act is done with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of that person
Under BNS 302
  1. Uttering words, making sounds or gestures, or placing objects in the hearing or sight of a person
  2. Deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of that person

What IPC 298 to BNS 302 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 298 IPC (now Section 302 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 302 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 298 to BNS 302

What changed when Section 298 IPC became Section 302 BNS?▼

The heading of Section 302 BNS adds of any person at the end. The text of the offence, the requirement of deliberate intention and the punishment of imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both remain unchanged.

Where does Section 298 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 302 BNS, in Chapter XVI, Of Offences Relating to Religion.

Does Section 298 IPC or Section 302 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 298 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 298 IPC. Section 302 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 ·