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

Summary

If someone deliberately insults another person in a way that is meant to provoke that person into disturbing the public peace or committing a crime, that insult is an offence. The person who gives the insult can be sent to jail for up to two years, or fined, or both.

Official Text

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.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.48 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• CASE DETAILS MOHAMMAD WAJID AND ANR v. STATE OF U.P. AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (2023)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.187 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• MD. IBRAHIM & ORS v. STATE OF BIHAR & ANR. 1261 — Supreme Court of India (2009)
• S.C.R. 240 FIONA SHRIKHANDE v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANOTHER — Supreme Court of India (2013)
• [ PETITIONER ] vs THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE, [ RESPONDENT ] — Madras High Court (2018)
• S.C.R. 559 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA v. CLASSIC CREDIT LTD — Supreme Court of India (2017)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §352 — Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace