IPC Section 297
Text of IPC Section 297 (Simplified)
"Whoever trespasses on any place of worship, or any place set apart for the performance of religious ceremonies, with the intention of insulting the religion of any person or hurting religious feelings, shall be punished."
Key Elements of Section 297
Who can commit this offence?
Any person. There is no restriction; anyone can commit this offence.
Trespassing on a place of worship:
The offender must enter or remain in a place of worship or a place set apart for religious ceremonies.
Examples: Temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, or private altars for religious use.
Intention or knowledge:
The entry must be done with the intention of insulting religion or hurting the religious feelings of others.
Accidental entry or ignorance does not amount to an offence.
Result:
The key aspect is the intention, not necessarily whether someone’s feelings were actually hurt.
Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 1 month, or
Fine, or
Both, depending on the circumstances.
Example
A person enters a temple and deliberately damages idols or performs disrespectful acts to hurt devotees’ feelings.
This falls under Section 297.
Someone enters a religious place during a ceremony with the intention of mocking the rituals.
This is punishable under Section 297.
Summary:
IPC Section 297 punishes anyone who trespasses into a place of worship with the intent to insult religion or hurt religious feelings.
Key points: trespass, place of worship, and intentional insult.
RELATED Blog
0 comments