IPC Section 298
IPC Section 298 – Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings
1. What it says (in essence):
Section 298 deals with hurting religious feelings by using derogatory or insulting words about someone’s religion or religious beliefs.
In simpler words: If someone deliberately speaks, writes, or gestures in a way that insults someone’s religion, it falls under Section 298.
Key Elements of Section 298
Act:
The act can be speaking, writing, or making signs.
Intent:
The person must have deliberate intent to wound religious feelings.
Accidental remarks or jokes without intent do not fall under this section.
Target:
The offence targets religious feelings of a class of people or individual believers.
Words or acts must be offensive:
The words or acts should be derogatory, insulting, or contemptuous.
General discussion or criticism of religion in good faith is usually not covered.
Punishment under IPC Section 298
Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Fine: May also be imposed
Or both: Imprisonment and fine
Examples to understand Section 298
Example 1:
A person publicly insults a religious text or deity with intent to hurt feelings.
→ Punishable under Section 298.
Example 2:
Writing or spreading offensive material mocking a religious practice or festival.
→ Covered under Section 298 if intent is deliberate.
Example 3:
Casual criticism of religion in a debate without malice or intent to insult is not punishable.
Important Points
Section 298 protects religious sentiments while balancing freedom of speech.
Intent is crucial: Without intent to wound feelings, there is no offence.
It is related to Section 295A, which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, but Section 298 focuses on words or signs used in a deliberate attempt to wound religious feelings.
In short, IPC 298 punishes anyone who deliberately uses words, gestures, or writings to hurt the religious feelings of others.
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