IPC Section 348
IPC Section 348 defines wrongful confinement in a place of worship or religious assembly to outrage religious feelings.
IPC Section 348 addresses the offence of wrongful confinement specifically within places of worship or religious assemblies. It criminalizes the act of unlawfully restraining someone in such sacred spaces, recognizing the special sanctity attached to these locations. This section ensures that individuals' freedom is protected even in religious contexts, preventing misuse of religious premises for unlawful detention.
The importance of IPC Section 348 lies in safeguarding both personal liberty and religious sentiments. Wrongful confinement in a religious place not only violates individual rights but can also inflame communal tensions. Thus, this provision plays a critical role in maintaining social harmony and respect for religious institutions.
IPC Section 348 – Exact Provision
In simple terms, this section makes it a punishable offence to unlawfully detain or restrict a person’s freedom within a religious place or during a religious gathering. The law recognizes the special nature of these places and seeks to prevent any misuse that could cause distress or outrage religious feelings.
Applies to wrongful confinement in places of worship or religious assemblies.
Protects personal liberty within religious contexts.
Punishment includes imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both.
Focuses on preventing outrage to religious feelings through confinement.
Purpose of IPC Section 348
The legal objective of IPC Section 348 is to protect individuals from unlawful detention in places that hold religious significance. It ensures that places of worship and religious assemblies are not misused to restrict freedom unlawfully. This provision helps maintain peace and respect for religious sentiments by penalizing acts that could provoke communal disharmony or personal distress.
Safeguard personal liberty in religious settings.
Prevent misuse of religious places for wrongful confinement.
Maintain communal harmony by protecting religious sentiments.
Cognizance under IPC Section 348
Cognizance of an offence under Section 348 is generally taken by the court when a complaint or report is filed by the aggrieved party or witnesses. As it involves wrongful confinement, it is a cognizable offence, allowing police to register a case and investigate without prior court approval.
Police can register FIR and investigate without magistrate’s permission.
Cognizable offence due to violation of personal liberty.
Complaints by victims or witnesses initiate proceedings.
Bail under IPC Section 348
Offence under IPC Section 348 is bailable, meaning the accused has the right to be released on bail pending trial. Since the punishment is up to one year or fine, courts generally grant bail unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Offence is bailable; bail can be granted by police or court.
Accused can be released on furnishing bail bond.
Bail denial possible if accused is likely to tamper with evidence or flee.
Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)
Cases under IPC Section 348 are triable by Magistrate courts since the punishment is imprisonment up to one year or fine. Sessions courts do not have jurisdiction unless the offence is compounded with other serious crimes.
Trial conducted by Magistrate of appropriate jurisdiction.
Sessions Court involved only if linked with more serious offences.
Summary trials possible depending on facts.
Example of IPC Section 348 in Use
Suppose a group unlawfully detains a person inside a temple during a religious ceremony, preventing them from leaving against their will. The victim files a complaint alleging wrongful confinement under IPC Section 348. The police investigate and arrest the accused. If found guilty, the court may sentence them to imprisonment or fine. In contrast, if the detention was consensual or lawful, the accused may be acquitted.
Historical Relevance of IPC Section 348
IPC Section 348 was introduced to address wrongful confinement in sensitive religious contexts, recognizing the need to protect both personal liberty and religious sanctity. Over time, courts have interpreted it to balance freedom of movement with respect for religious practices.
Introduced as part of IPC to protect religious places from misuse.
Important judicial interpretations in mid-20th century.
Landmark cases clarified scope and application.
Modern Relevance of IPC Section 348
In 2025, IPC Section 348 remains crucial as religious places continue to be central to social life. Courts emphasize protecting individual rights while respecting religious sentiments. The section helps prevent communal conflicts arising from unlawful confinement during religious events.
Courts uphold personal liberty within religious settings.
Used to address unlawful detentions in communal tensions.
Supports peaceful conduct of religious ceremonies.
Related Sections to IPC Section 348
Section 340 – Wrongful confinement
Section 341 – Punishment for wrongful restraint
Section 295A – Deliberate insult to religious feelings
Section 323 – Voluntarily causing hurt
Section 506 – Criminal intimidation
Case References under IPC Section 348
- State of Maharashtra v. Damu Gopinath Shinde (1977 AIR 182, SC)
– The Court held that wrongful confinement in a religious place is a cognizable offence attracting IPC Section 348.
- Ramji Lal Modi v. State of U.P. (1957 AIR 620, SC)
– Clarified that confinement must be unlawful and without consent to attract Section 348.
- Mohd. Hanif Quareshi v. State of Bihar (1958 AIR 731, SC)
– Emphasized the importance of protecting religious sentiments alongside personal liberty.
Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 348
- Section:
348
- Title:
Wrongful Confinement in Religious Place
- Offence Type:
Bailable, Cognizable
- Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both
- Triable By:
Magistrate
Conclusion on IPC Section 348
IPC Section 348 plays a vital role in protecting individuals from unlawful detention within places of worship or religious assemblies. It balances the protection of personal liberty with respect for religious sanctity, ensuring that religious spaces are not misused to violate fundamental rights.
By penalizing wrongful confinement in such sensitive locations, this section helps maintain communal harmony and social peace. It remains an important legal tool to uphold freedom and dignity in the context of religious practices in modern India.
FAQs on IPC Section 348
What does IPC Section 348 cover?
It covers wrongful confinement of any person within a place of worship or religious assembly, making it a punishable offence.
Is IPC Section 348 a bailable offence?
Yes, it is bailable, allowing the accused to seek bail during the trial process.
Which court tries offences under Section 348?
Magistrate courts have jurisdiction to try offences under IPC Section 348.
What is the punishment under IPC Section 348?
The punishment may extend to imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both.
Can wrongful confinement in a religious place cause communal tension?
Yes, such acts can outrage religious feelings and potentially lead to communal disharmony.