BNS §299
Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
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Comparison
6[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 7[citizens of India], 8[by words, either spoken or written, or 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 9[three years], or with fine, or with both.]
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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) preserved as BNS 299 with one substantive expansion: 'or through electronic means' is added to the means-of-commission set. The 3-year imprisonment ceiling is preserved. Same digital-age expansion pattern as BNS 196 (IPC 153A), BNS 197 (IPC 153B), BNS 209 (IPC 174A).
Old position
IPC 295A is concerned with Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs. 6[295A
New position
BNS 299 modifies the framework. Topic: 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 through electronic means or otherwise,
IPC 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) preserved as BNS 299 with one substantive expansion: 'or through electronic means' is added to the means-of-commission set. The 3-year imprisonment ceiling is preserved. Same digital-age expansion pattern as BNS 196...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
What is preserved: Mens rea (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings), actus reus (insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class), protected class (any class of citizens of India), and punishment ladder (up to 3 years + fine, or both) are all preserved verbatim.
What changed: Modality list adds through electronic means between visible representations and or otherwise. Drafting modernisation; clarificatory of the pre-existing residual.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 295A continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 299 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §295A → BNS §299 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/bns/299.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.