IPC 148 vs BNS 148 – Rioting with Deadly Weapons
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Section: IPC 148
Rioting, armed with deadly weapon
About IPC Section
Section 148 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, provides stricter punishment when rioting is committed by members of an unlawful assembly who are armed with deadly weapons.
Key points of IPC 148:
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If a person is guilty of rioting,
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And is armed with a deadly weapon, or any object likely to cause death if used as a weapon,
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The punishment increases to imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
For example, if members of a mob carry guns, knives, rods, or petrol bombs while rioting, they fall under IPC 148. Even if the weapon is not used, merely being armed during rioting makes the person liable for enhanced punishment.
This section recognizes the increased threat and potential for harm in armed riots and thus imposes harsher penalties to deter individuals from carrying weapons in unlawful assemblies.
Section: BNS 148
Rioting, armed with deadly weapon
About BNS Section
Section 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponds directly to IPC 148, dealing with rioting by armed individuals.
Provisions under BNS 148:
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Any member of a rioting group armed with a deadly weapon,
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Or with any object likely to cause death when used as a weapon,
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Is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
For instance, if a violent protest turns into rioting and some participants carry axes, swords, or acid bottles, they will be charged under BNS 148.
The law maintains continuity with IPC 148, reinforcing the principle that armed riots pose a severe danger to life and property. The enhanced punishment under this section acts as a deterrent and ensures stricter liability for those escalating violence by introducing deadly weapons.