Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 295 → BNS 298: Defiling Place of Worship

IPC Section 295 (Defiling Place of Worship) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 298 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

295

Defiling Place of Worship

Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class

New Law — BNS 2023

298

Defiling Place of Worship

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 298?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 298.

Quick Summary: IPC 295 vs BNS 298

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 295 (Defiling Place of Worship) is now mapped to BNS Section 298.

What did IPC 295 cover?

IPC 295 dealt with defiling place of worship — injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 298: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to defiling place of worship are filed under BNS Section 298. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 298

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 298 instead of IPC 295.
Police officers: Use BNS 298 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 295 ↔ BNS 298 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 295?

IPC Section 295 (Defiling Place of Worship) is now covered under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 298?

Same - Up to 2 years

What is the key difference between IPC 295 and BNS 298?

No major change

Is IPC 295 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.