IPC 153A vs BNS 153A
● Retained in BNSPromoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony
Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, criminalizes actions that promote enmity or hatred between groups on grounds such as religion, race, caste, community, residence, or language.
Key points of IPC 153A:
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Covers words (spoken or written), signs, or visible representations.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both (5 years if committed in a place of worship or religious assembly).
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Includes acts that disturb public tranquility or harmony.
For example, if someone publishes a pamphlet inciting hatred between two religious communities, it falls under IPC 153A. Similarly, inflammatory speeches designed to provoke hostility are punishable.
This section plays a vital role in safeguarding secularism and social harmony, ensuring that divisive acts do not disturb peace in a diverse country like India.
Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony
Section 153A of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, continues the same principle as IPC 153A, criminalizing actions that spread enmity or hatred between groups.
Key points of BNS 153A:
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Targets hate speech, publications, and visual representations.
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Punishment remains: up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both (up to 5 years for offences in places of worship).
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The section also extends to digital platforms and online content, recognizing modern methods of spreading hate.
For example, posting inflammatory content on social media to incite communal violence is punishable under BNS 153A.
This provision remains crucial in protecting public peace and national unity, deterring individuals from engaging in activities that can divide communities.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 153A to BNS BNS 153A.