IPC Section 124A: Sedition
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 6: Offences against the State
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, [* * *] the Government established by law in [India],[* * *] shall be punished with [imprisonment for life], to which fine may be added or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Explanation 1. - The expression "disaffection" includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.
Explanation 2. - Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.
Explanation 3. - Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this Section.
Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 121. Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India
- 121A. Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121
- 122. Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India
- 123. Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war
- 124. Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power
- 125. Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India
- 126. Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India
- 127. Receiving Property taken by war on depredation mention in Sections 125 and 126
- 128. Public servant voluntary allowing prisoner of State or war to escape
- 129. Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape
- 130. Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner