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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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.
Study: explanations and related material
Not carried over into BNS. IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p9
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the 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