IPC 121→BNS 147

IPC 121 to BNS 147: Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India

Section 121 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 147 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 121 →View BNS Section 147 →

IPC 121 to BNS 147 at a Glance

Section 121 IPC (Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India) is now Section 147 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 121 to BNS 147?

Section 121 IPC is now Section 147 BNS, with the same words and the same punishment. The BNS prints Illustration with a full stop on a line of its own, and its heading does not carry the word the before Government of India.

IPC 121 vs BNS 147: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section121147
OffenceWaging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of IndiaSame
PunishmentDeath, or imprisonment for life.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 121 and BNS 147: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 121, IPC 1860

121. Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India.—Whoever wages war against the Government of India, or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine. Illustration A joins an insurrection against the Government of India. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 147, BNS 2023

Whoever wages war against the Government of India, or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine. Illustration. A joins an insurrection against the Government of India. A has committed the offence defined in this section.

Ingredients: IPC 121 vs BNS 147

Under IPC 121
  1. The accused waged war against the Government of India, or attempted to wage such war, or abetted the waging of such war
  2. The war was waged against the Government of India and not against any other power
Under BNS 147
  1. The accused waged war against the Government of India, attempted to wage such war, or abetted it
  2. The punishment is death, or imprisonment for life, and liability to fine

What IPC 121 to BNS 147 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 121 IPC (now Section 147 BNS): nothing changes in the offence or its punishment. Section 147 BNS carries death, or imprisonment for life, and fine, as Section 121 IPC did.

FAQs: IPC 121 to BNS 147

What changed when Section 121 IPC became Section 147 BNS?▼

Nothing in the offence, the punishment or the illustration. Section 147 BNS repeats them word for word.

Where does Section 121 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 147 BNS, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 121 IPC or Section 147 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 121 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 121 IPC. Section 147 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·