Section 296 IPC: Disturbing religious assembly

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 296 IPC at a Glance

Section 296 IPC deals with disturbing religious assembly. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 300 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 300 →

Section 296 IPC Bare Act Text

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.

Source: Section 296, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 296 IPC in Simple Words

Section 296 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes voluntarily causing disturbance to any assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies.

The court may award imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or fine, or both.

The First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure classifies the offence as cognizable, bailable and triable by any Magistrate.

Ingredients of Section 296 IPC

  • An assembly is lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies
  • The accused voluntarily causes disturbance to that assembly

Punishment Under Section 296 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.

Fine

The court may impose fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no maximum fine.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Voluntarily causing disturbance to an assembly lawfully engaged in religious worship or ceremonies is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both. It is a cognizable and bailable offence triable by any Magistrate.

Example of Section 296 IPC

In November 2018, a group of families gathered lawfully at a riverside pavilion in Nashik to perform morning Vedic marriage and sacred thread ceremonies. While the priests and families were conducting the rituals, Kishore deliberately rode his motorcycle into the pavilion, revving the engine loudly and blowing a horn to halt the chanting. By doing so, Kishore voluntarily caused disturbance to an assembly that was lawfully engaged in the performance of religious ceremonies. Kishore is punishable under Section 296 IPC.

When Section 296 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The people gathered were holding a political, social, or cultural meeting rather than performing religious worship or religious ceremonies.
  • The assembly was occupying the premises unlawfully or conducting a prohibited gathering, so it was not lawfully engaged in worship or religious ceremonies.
  • The noise or interruption occurred through a purely accidental event, without anyone voluntarily causing a disturbance to the assembly.

Section 296 IPC in the BNS

Section 296 IPC is now covered under Section 300 BNS.

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.

View detailed comparison (IPC 296 vs BNS 300) →

FAQs on Section 296 IPC

What does Section 296 IPC punish?▼

It punishes voluntarily causing disturbance to any assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies.

What is the punishment under Section 296 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Does Section 296 IPC require the assembly to be lawfully engaged?▼

Yes. The section specifically requires that the assembly be lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies.

What mental element is required under Section 296 IPC?▼

The disturbance must be caused voluntarily. Under Section 39 IPC that means caused by means the accused intended to cause it, or by means the accused knew or had reason to believe to be likely to cause it.

Is Section 296 IPC bailable or non-bailable?▼

Section 296 IPC is bailable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Is Section 296 IPC cognizable?▼

Yes. Section 296 IPC is cognizable, meaning police may arrest without a warrant.

Which court tries an offence under Section 296 IPC?▼

Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, an offence under Section 296 IPC is triable by any Magistrate.

Where is Section 296 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is renumbered as Section 300 BNS, in Chapter XVI.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·