IPC Section 253
IPC Section 253 – Punishment for Promoting Enmity Between Classes in a Public Place
Text of Section 253 (simplified):
"Whoever, in a place of public resort or public gathering, intends to cause or promotes feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different classes of people on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community, shall be punished under this section."
Detailed Explanation
Nature of Offense:
Section 253 is designed to prevent public disturbances and maintain social harmony.
It deals with acts that create hostility between groups of people in public places.
Who Can Be Liable:
Any person who:
Speaks, writes, or acts publicly in a way that incites hatred or enmity.
Does so in a place where the public is present or may be affected by it.
Elements of the Offense:
To constitute an offense under Section 253, the following must be present:
Public act: The act must be done in a public place, or in a manner visible/audible to the public.
Intention or knowledge: The person must intend or know that their act may promote enmity or hatred.
Grounds: The enmity must be on the basis of religion, race, caste, community, place of birth, residence, or language.
Effect: The act disturbs public harmony or may potentially do so.
Examples
A person giving a speech in a crowd inciting people of one religion to hate another.
Posting content on social media in a public forum that spreads hatred against a particular caste.
Writing or displaying posters in a marketplace promoting hostility between communities.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 6 months, or
Fine, or
Both.
Key Points to Remember
The public element is essential – it must be in a place where others are likely to be affected.
The intention to create enmity is key; accidental statements may not fall under this section.
Closely related to IPC Sections 153A and 505, which deal with promoting enmity and hatred more broadly.
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