Offences Against The State under Indian Penal Code
Offences Against the State under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are serious crimes that threaten the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. These offences are mainly found in Chapters VI and VIII of the IPC and deal with acts like waging war, sedition, and unlawful assembly against the state.
Major Sections on Offences Against the State:
1. Section 121 – Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging war against the Government of India
Definition: Intentionally waging or attempting to wage war against the Government of India or abetting such action.
Punishment: Death penalty or life imprisonment, and fine.
2. Section 121A – Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by Section 121
Definition: Conspiring to wage war against the Government of India.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment which may extend to 10 years, and fine.
3. Section 122 – Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India
Definition: Collecting arms or soldiers to wage war against the Government of India.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life or imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine.
4. Section 123 – Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war
Definition: Hiding plans or intentions to wage war against the Government.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
5. Section 124A – Sedition
Definition: Bringing or attempting to bring hatred or contempt, or exciting disaffection towards the Government established by law.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or with fine, or both. In case of violence, imprisonment may extend to life.
6. Section 125 – Harbouring or concealing offenders against the State
Definition: Helping offenders who have committed offences against the State.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, and fine.
7. Section 126 – Harbouring persons unlawfully at war against the Government
Definition: Harbouring or concealing someone who is at war against the Government of India.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
8. Section 127 – Harbouring persons who have escaped from lawful custody
Definition: Hiding a person who has escaped lawful custody.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
9. Sections 128 to 130 – Rescue of prisoners and other connected offences
Deals with rescuing prisoners and illegal attempts to free them.
Summary Table:
| Section | Offence | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| 121 | Waging war against the Government | Death or life imprisonment + fine |
| 121A | Conspiracy to wage war | Life imprisonment or up to 10 years + fine |
| 122 | Collecting arms to wage war | Life imprisonment or up to 10 years + fine |
| 123 | Concealing plans to wage war | Up to 7 years + fine |
| 124A | Sedition | Up to 3 years or life (if violence) + fine |
| 125 | Harbouring offenders against the State | Up to 3 years + fine |
| 126 | Harbouring persons at war against the State | Up to 7 years + fine |
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