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IPC Section 295 - Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class
Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
Please refer to BNS 298 for updated procedures & punishments.
Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC 295 in Simple Words
Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code states that intentionally destroying or defiling a place of worship or any sacred object with the intention of insulting a religious group, or knowing it will likely be considered an insult, can lead to imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both.
Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destroying, damaging or defiling a place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult the religion of any class of persons | 2 Years or Fine or Both | Cognizable | Non-Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Offence : Destroying, damaging or defiling a place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult the religion of any class of persons
Punishment : 2 Years or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Cognizable
Bail : Non-Bailable
Triable : Any Magistrate
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime section 295?
In section 295 of I.P.C, destruction, damage or defilement to a place or object of worship, or to an object considered sacred with the intent to insult a religion, is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both.
Is Section 295A of the IPC constitutional?
In Ramji Lal Modi V. State of U.P., a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court ruled in 1957 that the section was constitutional. In 1957, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of this section in 'Ramji Lal Modi v. State of U.P.'
What is the difference between 295 and 295A?
The offence of insulting the religious feelings of any group of people is dealt with by both Section 295 as well as Section 295. Section 295 is the offence that is committed when a certain act, such as destruction or damage to a place of worship and any object considered sacred.
What are the Offences related to religion section 295 to 298?
Forced conversion is a crime under Indian Penal Code sections 295 A and 298, which are related to the malicious and deliberate intent to harm the religious sentiments or others. The punishment is a maximum of 3 years in prison and a fine.
