IPC Section 298 — Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings

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 deliberately says something, makes a sound, or uses a gesture or object in front of someone else with the clear aim of hurting that person's religious feelings, they can be punished. The punishment can be imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.

Official Text

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.

Related Judgments

  • Universal Music India Pvt. Ltd. vs 1. Mohd. Farooque Azam., 2. State of Maharashtra — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2008)
  • KAUSHAL KISHOR vs STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2023)
  • Smt. Mina Adarkar Krishnan vs State of Maharashtra and Ors., .., ­­­­­, Mr. Virendra Parikh with — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2012)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §302 — Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person