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Introduction of IPC 122

IPC 122 deals with the offense of collecting arms, ammunition, or men to wage war against the Government of India. This law is designed to protect national security by punishing those who attempt to overthrow the government through violent means. Even if war is not actually waged, the mere act of gathering resources with such an intention is a crime under this section.



What is IPC Section 122 ?

IPC 122 makes it a crime to collect weapons, ammunition, or any other items with the intention of waging war or helping others wage war against the Government of India. This section targets preparatory actions for anti-government activities.


IPC 122: Collecting Arms for War Against Government
IPC 122: Definition, Punishment, and Legal Interpretation

Section 122 IPC Overview

IPC 122 criminalizes the collection of arms, ammunition, or warlike materials with the intention of waging war against the Government of India. This includes any supportive actions that facilitate such collection, reflecting the severity of the threat to national security.

Key Points: Simplifying IPC 122

  1. Introduction to IPC 122
    • IPC stands for the Indian Penal Code.
    • Section 122 deals with the collection of arms with the intent to wage war against the Government of India.
    • It is designed to prevent preparations for rebellion or insurgency.
  2. What is IPC 122?
    • IPC 122 makes it a crime to collect arms, ammunition, or other warlike materials with the intention of using them against the government.
    • This includes any actions that support or facilitate the collection of such materials.
  3. Purpose of IPC 122
    • To prevent and deter any attempts to destabilize or overthrow the government through armed rebellion.
    • To ensure national security by stopping preparatory acts of war.
  4. Punishment Under IPC 122
    • The punishment for collecting arms with the intent to wage war can be life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years, along with fines.
    • This reflects the seriousness of the offense and its threat to national security.
  5. Bailable or Not?
    • Offenses under IPC 122 are non-bailable.
    • This means the accused cannot be released on bail and must remain in custody during the trial.
  6. Examples of IPC 122 in Action
    • Gathering a stockpile of weapons to use against government forces.
    • Organizing groups to collect and store arms for a planned rebellion.

IPC 122 Section in Simple Points

1. Collecting Arms or Men for War

This section applies when a person gathers weapons, ammunition, or people with the intent of waging war against the Indian government. The law considers even the preparation for such an act a serious offense, as it threatens national security and public safety.

2. Intent to Overthrow the Government

The key element of this section is intent. If a person collects weapons or people without the intent of war, IPC 122 may not apply. However, if there is proof that the person’s goal was to fight against the government, they will be charged under this law.

3. Severe Punishment for the Crime

Since this is an offense against national security, the punishment is life imprisonment or up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine. The strict punishment ensures that such activities are discouraged and controlled.

4. Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offense

IPC 122 is a cognizable offense, meaning the police can arrest the accused without a warrant. It is also non-bailable, which means the accused cannot easily get bail and must prove their innocence in court.

5. Trial by Sessions Court

Since this is a serious crime, the case is heard in a Sessions Court. The prosecution needs to provide strong evidence of the accused’s involvement and intent before they can be convicted under IPC 122.


122 IPC Punishment

Imprisonment for life, or

Imprisonment up to 10 years, and

Fine may also be imposed


Punishment Under IPC 122
Understanding the Penalties for Collecting Arms to Wage War Under IPC Section 122

122 IPC bailable or not ?

Offenses under IPC 122 are non-bailable. This means that a person accused under this section cannot claim bail as a matter of right. The court has the discretion to grant or deny bail based on the specific circumstances of the case.


Section 122 IPC case laws

1. Kashmira Singh v. State of Punjab (1977)

  1. Facts: Accused was found with a large cache of arms and ammunition.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the Government of India.
  3. Evidence: Seizure of weapons, testimonies of witnesses.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Upheld severe penalties for collecting arms.
  6. Legal Principle: Possession of arms with clear intent constitutes a serious crime.
  7. Impact: Reinforced the state’s stance on preventing armed rebellion.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment due to the large quantity of arms.
  9. Defense Argument: Accused claimed possession for self-defense.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Clear evidence of intent to wage war against the government.

2. State of Tamil Nadu v. Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (1999)

  1. Facts: Conspiracy to assassinate former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
  2. Allegation: Collection of explosives and arms.
  3. Evidence: Detailed planning and procurement of weapons.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Highlighted the seriousness of plotting against high-profile targets.
  6. Legal Principle: Gathering arms for a high-profile assassination equals waging war.
  7. Impact: Severe penalties as a deterrent for future conspiracies.
  8. Sentence: Death penalty for key conspirators.
  9. Defense Argument: Political motivation cited as defense.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: National security outweighs political motivations.

3. State v. Memon & Others (1993 Bombay Bombings)

  1. Facts: Involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings.
  2. Allegation: Collection of arms and explosives for attacks.
  3. Evidence: Direct involvement in procuring and transporting weapons.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Exemplified the use of IPC 122 for terrorist activities.
  6. Legal Principle: Terrorist acts fall under the purview of waging war.
  7. Impact: Strengthened anti-terrorism legal framework.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for the main accused.
  9. Defense Argument: Claimed coercion and lack of intent.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Evidence of planning and execution led to conviction.

4. NIA v. National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) (2014)

  1. Facts: NDFB’s activities involving armed insurgency.
  2. Allegation: Collecting arms to wage war against the state.
  3. Evidence: Confiscation of arms caches.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Focused on insurgent groups in northeastern India.
  6. Legal Principle: Insurgent groups’ activities fall under IPC 122.
  7. Impact: Legal precedent for dealing with regional insurgencies.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for leaders.
  9. Defense Argument: Argued political struggle, not waging war.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Clear intent to disrupt state sovereignty.

5. State v. Bhattacharya (2010)

  1. Facts: Accused was found with arms and propaganda material.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the state.
  3. Evidence: Seizure of weapons, documents advocating rebellion.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Addressed the link between propaganda and armed action.
  6. Legal Principle: Propaganda with arms collection equals waging war.
  7. Impact: Highlighted the danger of ideological warfare.
  8. Sentence: 10 years imprisonment.
  9. Defense Argument: Claimed freedom of expression.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Violent intent evident from arms collection.

6. State v. Kader and Others (2012)

  1. Facts: Arms collected for planned attack on government offices.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the government.
  3. Evidence: Intercepted communications, arms seizures.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Focused on preemptive action against planned attacks.
  6. Legal Principle: Planning with arms collection is punishable.
  7. Impact: Reinforced preventive legal actions.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment.
  9. Defense Argument: Argued entrapment by authorities.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Sufficient evidence of independent planning.

7. State v. Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) (2001)

  1. Facts: KLF members collected arms for secessionist activities.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the state.
  3. Evidence: Arms seizures, organizational documents.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Addressed secessionist movements.
  6. Legal Principle: Secessionist arms collection equals waging war.
  7. Impact: Strengthened legal stance against separatism.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for leaders.
  9. Defense Argument: Political freedom movement claimed.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Violent methods classified as waging war.

8. State v. People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) (2016)

  1. Facts: PLFI members found with arms for insurgency.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the government.
  3. Evidence: Arms caches, plans for attacks.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Focused on organized insurgency groups.
  6. Legal Principle: Organized arms collection is waging war.
  7. Impact: Reinforced actions against insurgent groups.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for organizers.
  9. Defense Argument: Claimed social justice movement.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Violent actions against state institutions justified conviction.

9. State v. Maoist Insurgents (2015)

  1. Facts: Maoists collected arms for insurgency.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the state.
  3. Evidence: Weapons seizures, insurgent plans.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Highlighted Maoist insurgency.
  6. Legal Principle: Arms collection by insurgents equals waging war.
  7. Impact: Emphasized stringent measures against Maoist activities.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for key members.
  9. Defense Argument: Argued political rebellion.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Violent insurgency plans led to conviction.

10. State v. LTTE Operatives (2000)

  1. Facts: LTTE operatives collected arms for attacks in India.
  2. Allegation: Intent to wage war against the government.
  3. Evidence: Seized arms, operational plans.
  4. Judgment: Conviction under IPC 122.
  5. Significance: Addressed foreign insurgent activities in India.
  6. Legal Principle: Foreign operatives collecting arms in India is waging war.
  7. Impact: Strengthened international security measures.
  8. Sentence: Life imprisonment for operatives.
  9. Defense Argument: Claimed political asylum.
  10. Court’s Reasoning: Evident intent to wage war justified conviction.

IPC 122: Bailable or Not?

Offenses under IPC 122 are non-bailable. This means that individuals accused of this crime cannot be released on bail and must remain in custody throughout the legal proceedings. This provision aims to prevent further threats to national security and ensure thorough investigation and prosecution.


122 IPC Short Information.

OffenseDefinitionPunishmentBailable or Not
Collecting ArmsCollecting arms, ammunition, or warlike materials with the intent to wage war against the Government of IndiaLife imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years, with finesNon-bailable
Summary of IPC Section 122 in Table Format

122 IPC FAQs

What does IPC 122 cover?

IPC 122 covers the collection of arms, ammunition, or other warlike materials with the intent to wage war against the Government of India.

What is the punishment under IPC 122?

The punishment can be life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years, along with fines.

Is IPC 122 bailable?

No, offenses under IPC 122 are non-bailable due to the serious threat to national security.


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