IPC Section 121 = BNS Section 147

Waging War Against the Government of India

भारत सरकार के विरुद्ध युद्ध करना

Offences Against the State No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 121 of the IPC dealt with waging war against the Government of India — the gravest offence against the state. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 147.

Hindi IPC की धारा 121 भारत सरकार के विरुद्ध युद्ध करने से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 147 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 121 Section 147
Title Waging War Against the Government of India Waging War Against the Government of India
Punishment Death, or imprisonment for life and fine Death, or imprisonment for life and fine
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Court of Session

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 121 to BNS 147
  • Punishment remains the same — death or life imprisonment
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused waged war against the Government of India
  2. 2 Or attempted to wage such war
  3. 3 Or abetted the waging of such war

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 121?

IPC Section 121 (Waging War Against the Government of India) is now BNS Section 147 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 121 to BNS 147?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 147: Death, or imprisonment for life and fine.

Is BNS Section 147 cognizable?

Yes, BNS Section 147 is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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