BNS Section 299 – Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 295A
BNS Section 299: Deliberate and Malicious Acts Intended to Outrage Religious Feelings
This section deals with acts or statements made with the intention of hurting the religious sentiments of any group. It aims to prevent actions or words that insult religious beliefs and promote harmony among different communities. Below is a simple explanation of the law in easy-to-understand language:
What is the Offence?
If a person, with the deliberate and malicious intention of hurting the religious feelings of any group, does any of the following, it is a crime:
- Speaks or writes words that insult the religion or religious beliefs of that group.
- Uses signs, visible representations, or electronic means (like social media) to insult their religion.
- Attempts to insult the religion or religious beliefs of any group.
Example
If someone posts offensive comments about a religious festival on social media with the intention of hurting the feelings of that religious community, they are guilty under this section.
What is the Punishment?
The punishment for this offence is:
- Jail term of up to 3 years, or
- Fine, or
- Both jail term and fine.
Other Important Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cognizable or Non-cognizable | Cognizable – Police can arrest without a warrant. |
| Bailable or Non-bailable | Non-bailable – The accused cannot easily get bail. |
| Court for Trial | Magistrate of the First Class – The case is tried by a higher-level Magistrate. |
Key Points to Understand
- Deliberate and Malicious Intention: The act must be done intentionally to hurt religious feelings, not by accident.
- Insulting Religion: This includes insulting religious beliefs, practices, or symbols of any group.
- Methods of Insult: The insult can be through spoken or written words, signs, visuals, or electronic means like social media.
Why is this Law Important?
This law is important because:
- It protects the religious sentiments of all communities.
- It promotes peace and harmony among people of different religions.
- It prevents hate speech or actions that could lead to communal tension or violence.
Summary
BNS Section 299 makes it a crime to deliberately insult the religion or religious beliefs of any group with the intention of hurting their feelings. The punishment includes up to 3 years in jail, a fine, or both. The law ensures that people respect each other’s religious beliefs and maintains social harmony.
