सं Samvidhan

IPC → BNS

IPC Section 295A is now BNS Section 299

Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code with effect from 1 July 2024.

Repealed

IPC Section 295A

Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs

Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Read the full IPC section →

In force

BNS Section 299

Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by

Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic means or otherwise, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Read the full BNS section →

Common questions

Which BNS section replaced IPC 295A?

BNS Section 299Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by. IPC 295A dealt with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs; the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carries it forward under the new numbering.

Is IPC 295A still valid?

The IPC was repealed from 1 July 2024. Offences committed before that date are still tried under the IPC; anything after falls under the BNS. Both matter for exams — questions are set on the old and the new numbering.

Mapping cross-checked against both section texts and editorially reviewable. Education, not legal advice — verify critical use against the official Gazette.