Section 504 IPC: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 504 IPC at a Glance

Section 504 IPC deals with intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 352 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.

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

Section 352 →

Section 504 IPC Bare Act Text

504. Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace

Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 504, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 504 IPC in Simple Words

Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes whoever intentionally insults a person and thereby gives him provocation, intending or knowing it to be likely that the provocation will cause him to break the public peace or commit any other offence. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients of Section 504 IPC

  • Intentionally insulting any person
  • Thereby giving provocation to that person
  • Intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause that person to break the public peace or commit any other offence

Punishment Under Section 504 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.

Fine

Fine in place of imprisonment, or both. The section sets no limit.

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

Intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both. The offence is non-cognizable, bailable, and triable by any Magistrate. It may be compounded without court permission by the person insulted.

Example of Section 504 IPC

In 2019 in Mysuru, Devendra approached a bus conductor named Raghu at a busy bus terminal and hurled humiliating slurs at Raghu in front of passengers, taunting him to strike back. Devendra intentionally insulted Raghu and thereby gave him grave provocation, intending and knowing it to be likely that the provocation would cause Raghu to assault him and break the public peace at the terminal. Devendra is punishable under Section 504 IPC.

When Section 504 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The rude or discourteous remark was made without an intention to insult the other person.
  • The insult did not give provocation to the person to whom it was directed.
  • The speaker neither intended nor knew it to be likely that the provocation would cause the insulted person to break the public peace or commit any other offence.

Section 504 IPC in the BNS

Section 504 IPC is now covered under Section 352 BNS.

Section 504 IPC corresponds to Section 352 BNS. Section 352 BNS adds the phrase in any manner after intentionally insults. The punishment of imprisonment of either description up to two years, or fine, or both, is unchanged.

View detailed comparison (IPC 504 vs BNS 352) →

FAQs on Section 504 IPC

What does Section 504 IPC punish?▼

It punishes whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence.

What is the punishment under Section 504 IPC?▼

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

Is every insult punishable under Section 504 IPC?▼

No. The insult must intentionally give provocation, and the offender must intend or know it to be likely that the provocation will cause a breach of the public peace or another offence.

Is an offence under Section 504 IPC bailable and cognizable?▼

It is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 504 IPC be compounded?▼

Yes. Under Section 320(1) CrPC, the person insulted may compound the offence without permission of the court.

Where is Section 504 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is placed in Section 352 BNS, which adds the words in any manner and retains the same punishment.

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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 ·