IPC 155 vs BNS 155
● Retained in BNSExciting or attempting to excite disaffection, hatred, or contempt against the government
Section 155 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with acts aimed at exciting disaffection, hatred, or contempt against the government established by law. It is designed to protect the authority and legitimacy of the state.
Key points of IPC 155:
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Applies to any person who attempts or excites others to oppose or disrespect the government.
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Covers words, writings, or signs intended to cause disaffection.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
For example, if a person spreads propaganda inciting citizens to disobey lawful government orders or to view the government with hatred, it falls under IPC 155.
This section safeguards state stability by penalizing individuals who try to erode public confidence in lawful governance, preventing acts that can lead to unrest or rebellion.
Exciting or attempting to excite disaffection, hatred, or contempt against the government
Section 155 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponds directly to IPC 155. It criminalizes acts that excite disaffection or contempt against the government.
Key points of BNS 155:
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Includes propaganda, speech, writing, or symbolic acts aimed at undermining the government.
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Covers both direct disaffection and attempts to cause disaffection.
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Punishment: up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.
For instance, if a group circulates leaflets urging citizens to ignore government rules and spread hatred against authorities, they can be prosecuted under BNS 155.
This section ensures public confidence in governance and protects the government from attempts to destabilize law and order through incitement.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 155 to BNS BNS 155.