Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
What this section does
This section criminalises purposely or knowingly exciting or attempting to excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities, or encouraging separatist feelings, or endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India — through any medium including speech, writing, signs, electronic communication, or financial means. An Explanation carves out lawful criticism of government measures aimed at obtaining change through legal channels. It is the BNS replacement for the repealed sedition provision.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment which may extend to 7 years, and also liable to fine.
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused acted purposely or knowingly
- The act was done by words (spoken or written), signs, visible representation, electronic communication, use of financial means, or otherwise
- The act excited or attempted to excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities; or encouraged separatist feelings; or endangered the sovereignty, unity, or integrity of India; or the accused indulged in or committed any such act
- The act does not fall within the Explanation (i.e., it is not mere lawful disapprobation of government measures aimed at change by lawful means)
Practitioner note
The Explanation expressly protects comments expressing disapprobation of government measures or administrative actions aimed at obtaining their alteration by lawful means, provided they do not excite or attempt to excite the prohibited activities. Practitioners should note this section departs significantly from the old sedition provision in its framing and scope.
- IPC Section 124A — Sedition (recast in BNS as offences endangering sovereignty)
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 152, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 152 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.