Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that person or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 298: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 298 of the Indian Penal Code addresses the offence of uttering words or making sounds or gestures with the deliberate intention to wound the religious feelings of any person. This section protects individuals from verbal or non-verbal actions specifically intended to insult their religious sentiments.
The essential elements of this offence include:
· Deliberate Intent: The person must have a specific intention to hurt the religious feelings of another.
· Uttering Words, Sounds, or Gestures: The offence can be committed through spoken words, noises, or physical gestures that disrespect or insult a person’s religious beliefs.
This law fosters respect and tolerance among diverse religious communities by penalizing targeted insults and provocations.
Is IPC Section 298 Bailable?
IPC Section 298 is a bailable offence. Individuals charged under this section have the right to secure bail. They can obtain release on bail either from the police or through a court appearance, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the alleged offence.
IPC Section 298 Punishment
The Punishment for an offence under IPC Section 298 involves imprisonment for a term extending up to one year, a fine, or both. The court determines the specific penalty based on factors such as the accused’s intent, the impact of their actions, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Example of IPC Section 298
A real-life example of the application of IPC Section 298 occurred in 2017 when a man in Hyderabad was arrested for making derogatory comments about a religious figure in a public speech. His remarks were deemed to have the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of followers of that faith. The case led to tensions in the local community. Law enforcement acted quickly to arrest the individual under IPC Section 298, among other charges, to prevent further unrest and uphold respect for religious sentiments.
