IPC 296 vs BNS 296
● Retained in BNSDisturbing religious assembly
Section 296 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with voluntarily disturbing any assembly engaged in a religious worship or religious ceremonies. This provision protects the peaceful conduct of religious practices and ensures that individuals can freely exercise their religious rights without interference.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who intentionally disrupts or obstructs a religious gathering.
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The disturbance can include loud noise, physical obstruction, or any act causing disruption.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
Example: Interrupting a prayer service by shouting, creating chaos, or preventing participants from performing rituals falls under IPC 296. The law ensures respect for religious assemblies and protects communal harmony.
Disturbing religious assembly
Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 296. It punishes individuals who voluntarily disturb any assembly engaged in religious worship or ceremonies, safeguarding the sanctity of religious practices.
Key points:
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Covers all acts intentionally disturbing religious gatherings, including protests, loud interference, or obstruction.
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No physical harm is necessary; disruption itself is punishable.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both (same as IPC).
Example: A group of individuals deliberately creating a commotion outside a temple during a festival, preventing worshippers from participating, would be liable under BNS 296. This ensures peaceful conduct of religious activities and protection of communal harmony.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 296 to BNS BNS 296.