IPC Section 244
IPC Section 244 – Owning or Possessing Cattle in a Respectable Place of Worship
Exact Provision (Simplified):
“Whoever keeps or owns cattle in a temple, mosque, or other place of public worship, and thereby causes annoyance to the public or interferes with religious practices, shall be punished.”
Key Elements of Section 244
Cattle
The term refers to livestock like cows, buffaloes, goats, etc.
It includes any animal typically used for domestic or agricultural purposes.
Place of Worship
The location must be a temple, mosque, church, or any other recognized place of public worship.
The law protects the sanctity of religious places.
Act / Offence
Owning, keeping, or allowing cattle to remain in the place of worship.
Even temporary presence that annoys or disrupts worship is covered.
Intent / Knowledge
There is no need to prove malicious intent; mere awareness and act of keeping cattle in a religious place is enough.
The law focuses on public annoyance or interference with religious practices.
Punishment under Section 244
Imprisonment: Up to 1 month
Fine: Up to ₹200
Or both
(Note: Amounts may be updated under state rules, but this is the IPC standard.)
Important Points / Legal Principles
Protection of Public Worship
The law safeguards the sanctity and peace of religious places.
Public Annoyance
The offence applies only if cattle cause annoyance or interfere with worship.
If cattle are merely present but do not disturb anyone, liability may not arise.
Independent offence
The act is punishable even if no other law regarding animals is violated.
Illustration / Examples
A person ties a cow inside a temple courtyard, and worshippers complain of inconvenience.
→ Punishable under Section 244.
Someone leaves goats near the entrance of a mosque, blocking entry and causing disturbance.
→ Punishable under Section 244.
A cow is grazing outside the boundary of a temple and does not disturb anyone.
→ Likely not punishable under Section 244.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Act | Keeping or owning cattle in a place of public worship |
| Effect | Causes annoyance or interferes with religious practices |
| Intent | Awareness of the act is sufficient; no malicious intent required |
| Punishment | Up to 1 month imprisonment, fine up to ₹200, or both |
| Objective | Protect sanctity and peace of religious places |
In simple words: Section 244 punishes anyone who keeps cattle in a temple, mosque, or similar place, causing disturbance to the public or interfering with worship.
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