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SECTION 153B IPC - Indian Penal Code - Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration
Last Updated: 01 Sep, 2024
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(Words “or through electronic communication” as the mode of spreading specified activities are added.)
Please refer to BNS 197 for updated procedures & punishments.
- Whoever, by words either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise:
- makes or publishes any imputation that any class of persons cannot, by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community, bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established or uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, or
- asserts, counsels, advises, propagates or publishes that any class of persons by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community be denied, or deprived of their rights as citizens of India, or
- makes or publishes and assertion, counsel, plea or appeal concerning the obligation of any class of persons, by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community, and such assertion, counsel, plea or appeal causes or is likely to cause disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will between such members and other persons, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
- Whoever commits an offence specified in sub-section (1), in any place of worship or in any assembly engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC 153B in Simple Words
Section 153B of the Indian Penal Code punishes those who make or publish statements that promote disharmony or hatred between different religious, racial, language, or regional groups, with imprisonment up to three years or a fine, and imprisonment up to five years with fine if the offence is committed in a place of worship or during religious ceremonies.
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration | 3 Years or Fine or Both | Cognizable | Non-Bailable | Magistrate First Class |
| If committed in a place of public worship etc. | 5 Years + Fine | Cognizable | Non-Bailable | Magistrate First Class |
Offence : Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration
Punishment : 3 Years or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Cognizable
Bail : Non-Bailable
Triable : Magistrate First Class
Offence : If committed in a place of public worship etc.
Punishment : 5 Years + Fine
Cognizance : Cognizable
Bail : Non-Bailable
Triable : Magistrate First Class
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 153 A and B of the IPC?
The Indian Penal Code, Section 153A, penalises acts that promote enmity among different groups based on religion, race or place of origin, residence, language etc. and act against maintaining harmony. This can be punished with a maximum of three years in prison, a fine or both. 25 Feb 2023
Is IPC 153 bailable?
The bail can be given either by a court or by the police officer in custody of the defendant. This section allows bail for both the punishments outlined in Section 153 of Indian Penal Code which promise imprisonment for a term of one year or fine or both, and imprisonment for six months or fine or both.
What is Section 153 A of the CRPC?
SECTION 153A: Section 153A is intended to punish those who engage in malicious vilification of religion, race or language, or attack the place of birth or residence of any group or class, or the founders or prophets of that religion.
