IPC 150 vs BNS 150
● Retained in BNSHiring, or conniving at hiring, of persons to join unlawful assembly
Section 150 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with instigation and support of unlawful assemblies. It states that whoever hires or engages persons, or provides aid by paying or conniving, for the purpose of joining an unlawful assembly, shall be punished as if he were a member of that assembly.
Key points of IPC 150:
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Covers hiring mercenaries or people to join riots or unlawful gatherings.
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Even if the hirer does not personally participate in the assembly, he is held liable.
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The punishment is the same as prescribed for members of the unlawful assembly.
For example, if a political leader pays individuals to join a mob to intimidate rivals, he will be equally liable under IPC 150, even if he is not physically present.
This section aims to prevent organized mob violence and ensures that people behind the scenes who finance or instigate unlawful assemblies cannot escape punishment.
Hiring, or conniving at hiring, of persons to join unlawful assembly
Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponds directly to IPC 150. It criminalizes hiring, engaging, or conniving at hiring of persons to take part in unlawful assemblies.
Key points of BNS 150:
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Ensures liability extends not only to direct participants but also to organizers and financiers.
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The punishment is the same as that of a member of the unlawful assembly.
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Even indirect involvement, such as providing money, shelter, or incentives for others to join, makes one guilty.
For instance, if a person arranges payment and transport for individuals to participate in a violent protest, he will be punished under BNS 150, even if he never attends the protest himself.
This provision ensures accountability of masterminds behind unlawful assemblies, discouraging individuals from mobilizing crowds for violent or illegal purposes.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 150 to BNS BNS 150.