BNS Chapter VII — Offences Against the State
BNS Sections 147 to 158 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Introduction
Chapter VII (selected: Sections 147–158) deals with crimes that directly threaten the State’s security and public order — for example, waging war, planning war, collecting arms, attacking high officers, actions that harm India’s unity, and helping war prisoners to escape. These provisions protect national sovereignty and the authority of the State.
BNS Sections Covered (147–158)
| BNS Section | Title | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| 147 | Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India | Criminalises waging war against India or helping others to do so. |
| 148 | Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 147 | Punishes agreements to plan or prepare war against India. |
| 149 | Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war | Gathering weapons or resources with the intent to wage war. |
| 150 | Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war | Hiding plans or materials that support waging war. |
| 151 | Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power | Attacking high constitutional officers to influence or stop them from acting. |
| 152 | Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India | Acts that threaten national unity, sovereignty or territorial integrity. |
| 153 | Waging war against Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India | Prohibits and punishes unlawful attacks on peaceful foreign states. |
| 154 | Committing depredation on territories of foreign State at peace with the Government of India | Plundering or committing hostile actions on foreign territory that is at peace with India. |
| 155 | Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in sections 153 and 154 | Receiving property taken illegally during attacks or depredations. |
| 156 | Committing depredation on foreign territories | Additional provision on hostile acts in foreign territories. |
| 157 | Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape | Liability for officials who negligently allow escape of certain prisoners. |
| 158 | Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner | Punishment for helping, rescuing or hiding such prisoners. |
Conclusion
Sections 147–158 protect the State by penalising actions that prepare for or carry out war, threaten national unity, attack high officials, or assist prisoners to escape. These laws are focused on national security and maintaining public order.