Old law lookup

IPC Section 124A

Sedition (recast in BNS as offences endangering sovereignty)

New section under BNS

BNS Section 152— Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India

Effective for any FIR, charge sheet, or filing on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that arose before that date continue under the IPC.

What the new 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 It is the BNS replacement for the repealed sedition provision.

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

For the full text of the new section, see the linked BNS page above. For the binding statutory text, refer to the India Code or the Gazette of India. This reference is informational, not legal advice.