Section 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 300 of the Bharatiya Nyāya Sanhitā (BNS), 2023, from Chapter XVI – Offences relating to Religion:
📜 Section 300 – Disturbing a Religious Assembly
Statutory Text:
“Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to any assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.” (vakilsearch.com)
🔍 Key Elements
Who is targeted?
Any individual, anywhere in India, regardless of citizenship or location. (vakilsearch.com)
What is the act?
Causing a voluntary disturbance—by action, speech, noise, or obstruction—to an assembly lawfully worshipping or performing religious rites.
Mental state (Mens Rea):
The offence requires voluntary action—i.e., the person intentionally caused the disturbance.
Penalty:
Up to 1 year of imprisonment (simple or rigorous),
And/or a fine,
Or both. (vakilsearch.com)
Legal Classification:
Likely cognizable, bailable, and triable by a magistrate under standard provisions for public order offences.
(kanoongpt.in)
🧭 Comparison with IPC
BNS §300 largely mirrors IPC Section 295A (outraging religious feelings), but focuses specifically on disturbing assemblies, rather than the broader insult of religion through words or gestures.
It targets disruption of gatherings, not religious sentiment alone.
🛠️ Practical Scenarios
Examples:
Shouting loudly or playing disruptive music during a prayer service.
Physically blocking or interfering with a procession or ritual ceremony.
Excluded Acts:
Passive presence in the assembly is not an offence.
The content does not need to be insulting or offensive—only disruptive.
✅ Summary
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Offence | Disturbing lawful religious worship or ceremonies |
| Mental state | Voluntary, intentional act |
| Penalty | Up to 1 year imprisonment, fine, or both |
| Classification | Public order offence—cognizable, bailable, magistrate-triable |
Would you like:
A comparison with adjacent sections (like §§ 299 & 301),
Illustrative case rulings under BNS §300,
Or guidance on defensive legal strategies (e.g., absence of intent or inadvertence)?
RELATED Blog
0 comments