Section 298 of BNS : Section 298: Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a resident of a small village, harbors a grudge against a particular religious community. One night, he sneaks into a temple belonging to that community and smashes several idols that are considered sacred by the worshippers. His actions are discovered the next morning, causing outrage among the community members. Ravi's intention was to insult the religion of that community. Under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi can be charged for injuring or defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of that class of persons. He could face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Example 2:

During a heated political rally, a speaker named Anil makes derogatory remarks about a particular religion and encourages his followers to deface a mosque in the nearby town. Following his speech, a group of his followers vandalizes the mosque, spray-painting offensive symbols and slogans on its walls. The act is intended to insult the religion of the people who worship at the mosque. Under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, both Anil and his followers can be charged for defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of that class of persons. They could face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.