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IPC 295A - Maliciously insulting the religions or the religious beliefs of any class

Description of IPC 295A

Description of IPC Section 295A According to section 295A of Indian penal code, Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. IPC 295A
Offence Maliciously insulting the religions or the religious beliefs of any class
Punishment 3 Years or Fine or Both
Cognizance Cognizable
Bail Bailable
Triable Sessions Court
Who is Liable: Anyone who, with malicious intent, insults or attempts to insult religious feelings through any means. Act Prohibited: Maliciously insulting religious beliefs.
Imprisonment up to 3 years, or a fine, or both.

IPC 295A in Simple Words

Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code deals with intentionally outraging religious feelings of any class by spoken, written, or visible means, and the punishment is imprisonment up to three years, or a fine, or both.

Importance and Practical application

IPC Section 295A aims to safeguard religious sentiments by penalizing malicious insults to religious feelings, fostering a respectful dialogue among diverse faiths.

Practical application:

Examples: Publishing offensive material about a religion. Making derogatory statements about religious practices.

Conclusion

This provision seeks to deter actions that could incite communal disharmony or provoke unrest, emphasizing the need for sensitivity towards religious beliefs in public discourse.