BNS 2023Chapter VIIPC: IPC Section 124A (Sedition — replaced)

Section 152

Act Endangering Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India

Offences Against the State

Plain English Explanation

Section 152 is the replacement for the controversial sedition law (IPC Section 124A). Unlike sedition which was about "disaffection towards the government", Section 152 specifically targets acts that endanger India's sovereignty, unity, or integrity — including incitement to secession, armed rebellion, or separatist activities. The key difference: legitimate criticism of the government is NOT covered. Only acts that genuinely threaten India's territorial integrity are covered.

Legal Text

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 152

Whoever, purposely or knowingly, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or by electronic communication or by use of financial means, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite, secession or armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers sovereignty or unity and integrity of India; or indulges in or commits any such act shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Keywords

sedition replacementsovereigntyunityintegritysecessionarmed rebellionseparatistanti-national

Related Sections

S.147 — Waging or Attempting to Wage War Against the Government of India S.148 S.149 S.150 S.151 S.153

Punishment

Imprisonment for life or up to 7 years + fine

IPC Equivalent

IPC Section 124A (Sedition — replaced)

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