IPC Section 296 — Disturbing religious assembly

offences relating to religion

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both”

Summary

If a person intentionally disrupts a gathering that is legally carrying out religious worship or religious ceremonies, that person commits an offence. The punishment for this can be imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.

Official Text

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.

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