IPC Section 296 = BNS Section 300

Disturbing Religious Assembly

धार्मिक सभा में विघ्न डालना

Offences Relating to Religion No Change in Punishment Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 296 of the IPC dealt with voluntary disturbance of a religious assembly lawfully engaged in religious worship or ceremonies. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 300.

Hindi IPC की धारा 296 धार्मिक सभा में विघ्न डालने से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 300 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 296 Section 300
Title Disturbing Religious Assembly Disturbing Religious Assembly
Punishment Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Any Magistrate

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 296 to BNS 300
  • Punishment remains the same
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused voluntarily caused disturbance to a religious assembly
  2. 2 The assembly was lawfully engaged in religious worship or ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 296?

IPC Section 296 (Disturbing Religious Assembly) is now BNS Section 300 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 296 to BNS 300?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 300: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

Is BNS Section 300 cognizable?

Yes, BNS Section 300 is a cognizable, bailable, and compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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