Indian Penal Code 1860
Chapter XV ( Section 295 to 298 ) :
Of Offences Relating to Religion :
Section 295 :
Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class:
(See section 298 of BNS 2023)
Classification of Offence:
Offence: Destroying, damaging or defiling a place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult the religion of any class of persons.
Punishment :Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both.
Cognizable or Non-cognizable :Cognizable
Bailable or Non-bailable :Non-bailable
Compoundable or Non-compoundable : Non-compoundable
By Which Court Triable :Any Magistrate.
————–
Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship, or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of there by insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.