IPC 124A→BNS 152

IPC 124A to BNS 152: Sedition

Section 124A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 152 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 124A →View BNS Section 152 →

IPC 124A to BNS 152 at a Glance

Section 124A IPC (Sedition) is now Section 152 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 124A to BNS 152?

Section 124A IPC was not carried into the BNS. The BNS drops sedition and enacts a new offence in Section 152 BNS, for acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. The new offence speaks of secession, armed rebellion and subversive activities and no longer of disaffection towards the Government. It carries imprisonment for life, or up to seven years, and fine.

IPC 124A vs BNS 152: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section124A152
OffenceSeditionSame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to three years.Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment which may extend to seven years.
FineFine could be added to either term of imprisonment, or fine alone could be imposed.The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 124A and BNS 152: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 124A, IPC 1860

124A. Sedition.—Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine. Explanation 1.—The expression “disaffection” includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity. Explanation 2.—Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section. Explanation 3.—Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 152, BNS 2023

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 mean, 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 which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures, or administrative or other action of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means without exciting or attempting to excite the activities referred to in this section do not constitute an offence under this section.

Ingredients: IPC 124A vs BNS 152

Under IPC 124A
  1. The accused used words, spoken or written, or signs, or visible representation, or any other means
  2. The accused brought or attempted to bring the Government established by law in India into hatred or contempt, or excited or attempted to excite disaffection towards it
  3. Disaffection includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity
Under BNS 152
  1. Purposely or knowingly using words, signs, visible representation, electronic communication, financial means, or any other means
  2. Exciting or attempting to excite secession, armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encouraging separatist feelings
  3. Endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, or indulging in or committing any such act

What IPC 124A to BNS 152 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 124A IPC (now Section 152 BNS): acts done after the BNS came into force cannot be charged under Section 124A IPC. Conduct of that kind is tested against the words of Section 152 BNS, which is differently framed, so an old sedition file cannot simply be re-labelled under Section 152 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 124A to BNS 152

What changed when Section 124A IPC became Section 152 BNS?▼

Sedition was deleted. Section 152 BNS is a new offence for secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities and acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

Where does Section 124A IPC sit in the BNS?▼

The official comparison of the two Codes shows Section 124A IPC as deleted and Section 152 BNS as new. Section 152 BNS is the nearest provision, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 124A IPC or Section 152 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 124A 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 124A IPC. Section 152 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 ·