The Centre is considering a replacement for the Indian Penal Code, which could potentially eliminate the offence of sedition. On the last day of the Monsoon Session, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaye Sanhita Bill to the Lok Sabha. The new Bill will replace Section 124A of IPC and remove the offense of self-inflictionation.
The current sedition law entails that those who are found guilty may be subject to life imprisonment and a fine. Section 124A can be used to incite hatred, contempt, or disunity through various means.
The new law, referred to by Section 150, does not use the term sedition but instead characterizes the offense as endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. This bill will now be reviewed by a Parliamentary committee.
What is the content of Section 150?
The act of using words, signs, electronic means, financial means or any other means to intentionally or knowingly encourage separatist movements or undermine the sovereignty or integrity of India is punishable by imprisonment for life and a fine of up to seven years.
Section 150 is followed by a further section (Section 151) that seeks to punish individuals who engage in war with the government of any foreign State that is at peace with India or refrain from engaging in such activities.
(With the assistance of agencies)