SECTION 505 IPC - Indian Penal Code - Statements conducing public mischief

1. Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report
   1. with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, any officer, soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force of India to mutiny or otherwise disregard or fail in his duty as such; or
   2. with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility; or
   3. with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
2. Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill will between classes
   Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement or report containing rumour or alarming news with intent to create or promote, or which is likely to create or promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
3. Offence under sub-section (2) committed in place of worship, etc.

Whoever commits an offence specified in sub-section (2) in any place of worship or in any assembly engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine.

IPC 505 in Simple Words

Whoever makes or circulates statements or rumors with intent to cause mutiny or fear among military personnel, incite offenses against the State or public tranquility, or promote hatred between different religious or social groups can be punished with imprisonment up to three years, or with a fine, or both; and if committed in a place of worship, the punishment can extend up to five years with a fine.

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