IPC to BNS
IPC Section 124A in BNS: Section 152
Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Sedition) corresponds to Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 124A and BNS 152 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 124A | 152 |
| Heading | Sedition | Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India |
| Punishment | Imprisonment for life with or without fine, or imprisonment up to 3 years with or without fine, or fine. | Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine. |
| Mapping | Partial equivalent | |
What IPC Section 124A covered
Punished bringing or attempting to bring into hatred or contempt, or exciting or attempting to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law, by words, signs or visible representation. The Supreme Court directed in May 2022 that the provision be kept in abeyance.
What changed in BNS Section 152
The offence of sedition is not re-enacted under that name. BNS Section 152 instead punishes purposely or knowingly exciting secession, armed rebellion or subversive activities, encouraging separatist feelings, or endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, including by electronic communication or financial means. The alternative term rises from three years to seven, and fine is mandatory.
Punishment: IPC 124A compared with BNS 152
- Under IPC Section 124A
- Imprisonment for life with or without fine, or imprisonment up to 3 years with or without fine, or fine.
- Under BNS Section 152
- Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Which law applies: IPC or BNS?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
IPC 124A: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 124A?
IPC Section 124A (Sedition) corresponds to Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 152?
Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Does IPC Section 124A still apply to older cases?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Related IPC sections
- IPC 141 to BNS 189(1) · Unlawful assembly
- IPC 143 to BNS 189(2) · Unlawful assembly member
- IPC 147 to BNS 191(2) · Rioting
- IPC 148 to BNS 191(3) · Armed rioting
- IPC 149 to BNS 190 · Common object
- IPC 153A to BNS 196 · Promoting enmity
- IPC 295A to BNS 299 · Outraging religious feelings
- IPC 201 to BNS 238 · Destroying evidence
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.