Section 399 - Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.

Whoever uses insulting or abusive language concerning, or otherwise conducts himself towards, a person or class or group of persons, whether the person or any member of that class or group is present or not, in a manner likely to give the provocation to a person present as to cause the last mentioned person to break the public peace or to commit any other offence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.

Illustration

(a) A In the presence of B, uses insulting or abusive language concerning B or otherwise conducts himself towards B in a manner likely to provoke B and cause him to break the public peace or to commit any other offence. A is guilty of an offence under this section.

(b) A, in the presence of B but whether or not in the presence of B uses insulting or abusive language concerning C or otherwise conducts himself towards C in a manner likely to provoke B and cause him to break the public peace or to commit any other offence. A is guilty of an offence under this section.