IPC Section 298: Uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person
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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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, 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.
¶CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
¶Punishment-Imprisonment for 1 year, or fine, or both-Non-cognizable-Bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Compounded by the person whose religious feelings are intended to be wounded.
¶State Amendment
¶Andhra Pradesh
¶In Andhra Pradesh offence under section 298 is cognizable.
¶[Vide A.P.G.O. Ms. No. 732, dated 5th December, 1991].
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 302 (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p17
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
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