IPC 296 → BNS 300: Disturbing Assembly

Quick Summary: IPC 296 vs BNS 300

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 296 (Disturbing Assembly) is one of the IPC's offences relating to religion — injuring places of worship and deliberately wounding religious feelings — retained by the BNS as BNS 300. Because disturbing assembly balances public order with freedom of expression, deliberate intent is central to the offence.

What did IPC 296 cover?

IPC 296 dealt with disturbing assembly — disturbing religious assembly. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 300: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to disturbing assembly are filed under BNS Section 300, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 300

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For disturbing assembly, deliberate and malicious intent is the core ingredient — ensure the charge under BNS 300 is supported by that intent rather than mere offence taken.
• Police officers: Capture the deliberate intent and the resulting disturbance in the disturbing assembly matter; register under BNS 300.
• Law students & citizens: The disturbing assembly offence requires a deliberate intention to outrage religious feelings — accidental or good-faith acts are treated differently.