Section 154 BNS: Committing depredation on territories of foreign State at peace with Government of India

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 154 BNS at a Glance

Section 154 BNS deals with committing depredation on territories of foreign State at peace with Government of India. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by the Court of Session; it replaced Section 126 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to seven years.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 126 →

Section 154 BNS Bare Act Text

154. Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India

Whoever commits depredation, or makes preparations to commit depredation, on the territories of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine and to forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in committing such depredation, or acquired by such depredation.

Source: Section 154, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 154 BNS in Simple Words

Section 154 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) this section deals with acts done against the territory of a foreign State that is at peace with the Government of India. In simple terms, it targets depredation, which means plundering, destroying, or causing serious harm to property or people in such foreign territory. The law is aimed at protecting India’s diplomatic position and preventing private acts that may disturb friendly relations with another country. It can apply to any person who knowingly takes part in such conduct, whether directly or by helping others.

The key point is that the foreign State must be at peace with India. If the act is proved, the person can face criminal punishment under the law. In practice, this provision is rarely invoked, but it remains relevant where conduct abroad has wider diplomatic or security consequences.

Ingredients of Section 154 BNS

  • Committing depredation, or making preparations to commit it
  • The territory is that of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India

Punishment Under Section 154 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to seven years.

Fine

The offender is also liable to fine and to forfeiture of property used or intended to be used in the depredation, or acquired by it.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ

Depredation on the territory of a friendly Power carries imprisonment of up to seven years, fine and forfeiture of property.

Example of Section 154 BNS

A gang from India raids a village across the border of a neighbouring foreign State that is at peace with the Government of India, and plunders it. The gang is liable under Section 154 BNS, and so is a man who only gathers arms and men for the raid, because making preparations is also an offence.

When Section 154 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The territory raided was not that of a foreign State at peace with the Government of India
  • The accused neither committed depredation nor made preparations to commit it
  • The act was waging war against the Government of India or against a foreign State at peace with it, which falls under Section 147 BNS or Section 153 BNS instead

Section 154 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 154 BNS replaces Section 126 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 126 IPC is now Section 154 BNS, with the same punishment and the same forfeiture. The BNS replaces any Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India by any foreign State at peace with it, and the heading changes to match.

View IPC Section 126 →

FAQs on Section 154 BNS

What does depredation mean in Section 154 BNS?▼

Depredation means plundering, ravaging, or causing serious damage in a hostile way. It is not limited to theft alone. The conduct must be of a nature that harms the foreign territory or its people.

Does Section 154 BNS apply only if India is at war?▼

No. It applies when the foreign State is at peace with the Government of India. That is the opposite of a war situation, so the law covers wrongful acts that can affect peaceful international relations.

Under Section 154 BNS, can a person be punished if they only helped in the act?▼

Yes, if their role is proved as participation, assistance, or preparation in the offence. Criminal liability is not limited to the person who physically commits the act. The prosecution must still show the necessary connection and intent.

Is Section 154 BNS still valid under current law?▼

Yes. Section 154 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is in force and governs present-day cases involving depredation or preparations for depredation on the territories of a foreign State at peace with the Government of India.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·