Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against Government of India
What this section does
This section is the foundational provision against waging war against the Government of India. It covers the actual waging of war, any attempt to wage such war, and abetment of the waging of such war, all of which attract the most severe punishments available under the law.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Death, or imprisonment for life, and fine.
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused waged war against the Government of India, or attempted to wage such war, or abetted the waging of such war
Practitioner note
The illustration makes clear that joining an insurrection against the Government of India constitutes this offence. This is one of the few offences under BNS carrying the death penalty.
- IPC Section 121 — Waging war against the Government of India
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 147, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 147 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.