Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty
What this section does
This section penalises abetting mutiny by, or attempting to seduce from allegiance or duty, any officer, soldier, sailor, or airman of the Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Government of India. It covers both abetment of mutiny and attempts to undermine military loyalty. The offence is complete even if mutiny does not actually occur (contrast with section 160).
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and also liable to fine.
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused abetted the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor, or airman in the Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Government of India; or attempted to seduce any such person from his allegiance or duty
- The target of the act was a member of the armed forces of the Government of India
Practitioner note
This section applies even if mutiny is not actually committed as a result of the abetment; where mutiny is in fact committed in consequence, the aggravated offence under section 160 applies.
Derived from IPC s.131.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 159, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 159 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.