IPC Section 296: Disturbing religious assembly

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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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 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.

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE

Punishment-Imprisonment for 1 year, or fine, or both-Cognizable-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

295. Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class
295A. Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
297. Trespassing on burial places, etc
298. Uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person