IPC Section 295: Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 15: Offences relating to Religion
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as a insult to their religion, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
Punishment-Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both-Cognizable-Non-bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Non-compoundable.
Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 295A. Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
- 296. Disturbing religious assembly
- 297. Trespassing on burial places, etc
- 298. Uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person