IPC 125→BNS 153

IPC 125 to BNS 153: Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India

Section 125 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 153 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 125 →View BNS Section 153 →

IPC 125 to BNS 153 at a Glance

Section 125 IPC (Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India) is now Section 153 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 125 to BNS 153?

Section 125 IPC is now Section 153 BNS, with the same punishment. The BNS replaces any Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India by any foreign State at peace with it, so the offence does not turn on the foreign State being Asiatic. The heading changes to match.

IPC 125 vs BNS 153: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section125153
OffenceWaging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of IndiaSame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to seven years.Same
FineFine may be added to either term of imprisonment, or fine alone may be imposed.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 125 and BNS 153: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 125, IPC 1860

125. Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India.—Whoever wages war against the Government of any Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 153, BNS 2023

Whoever wages war against the Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

Ingredients: IPC 125 vs BNS 153

Under IPC 125
  1. The accused waged war, attempted to wage war, or abetted the waging of war
  2. The war was against the Government of an Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India
Under BNS 153
  1. Waging war, attempting to wage war, or abetting the waging of war
  2. The war is against the Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India

What IPC 125 to BNS 153 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 125 IPC (now Section 153 BNS): the punishment is the same, but the offence now covers war against any foreign State at peace with the Government of India, and not only an Asiatic Power. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force must use the wider words.

FAQs: IPC 125 to BNS 153

What changed when Section 125 IPC became Section 153 BNS?▼

The class of Governments protected. Section 125 IPC named any Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India. Section 153 BNS names any foreign State at peace with the Government of India. The punishment is the same.

Where does Section 125 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 153 BNS, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 125 IPC or Section 153 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 125 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 125 IPC. Section 153 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 ·