IPC 295 → BNS 298: Defiling Place of Worship

Quick Summary: IPC 295 vs BNS 298

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 295 (Defiling Place of Worship) is one of the IPC's offences relating to religion — injuring places of worship and deliberately wounding religious feelings — retained by the BNS as BNS 298. Because defiling place of worship balances public order with freedom of expression, deliberate intent is central to the offence.

What did IPC 295 cover?

IPC 295 dealt with defiling place of worship — injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 298: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to defiling place of worship are filed under BNS Section 298, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 298

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For defiling place of worship, deliberate and malicious intent is the core ingredient — ensure the charge under BNS 298 is supported by that intent rather than mere offence taken.
• Police officers: Capture the deliberate intent and the resulting disturbance in the defiling place of worship matter; register under BNS 298.
• Law students & citizens: The defiling place of worship offence requires a deliberate intention to outrage religious feelings — accidental or good-faith acts are treated differently.