Sedition
AI Assist
Summary
Words, signs or visible acts that bring or try to bring hatred, contempt or disaffection against the legally established Government of India amount to sedition and can attract life imprisonment, or imprisonment up to three years, and/or a fine. 'Disaffection' includes disloyalty and enmity. Peaceful criticism aimed at changing government measures by lawful means, without exciting hatred or contempt, is not an offence.
Example
Arjun distributes leaflets accusing the government of treason and urging people to despise it. He could be charged with sedition and face life imprisonment, or up to three years in jail, and/or a fine. If his leaflet only calmly criticizes government policy and asks for lawful change, it would not be sedition.
Bare Act
Enacted textWhoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, a shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Explanations
(1) The expression “disaffection” includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.
(2) Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.
(3) Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.
Previous year papers
Pick your exam. we'll email the most recent paper.