Code :Section 159 BNS
Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in
the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India or attempts to seduce any such
officer, soldier, sailor or airman from his allegiance or his duty, shall be punished with
imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation Section 159 BNS
This section criminalizes abetting mutiny or attempting to turn military personnel against their allegiance or duty.
Key Elements of Section 159 BNS
- Acts Prohibited Under Section 159
- Abetting mutiny in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
- Attempting to seduce military personnel from their duty or allegiance.
- Who is Covered?
- Officers, soldiers, sailors, or airmen serving in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Intent Requirement
- The act must be deliberate and intentional.
- The person must actively encourage rebellion or disloyalty within the armed forces.
- Punishment
- Imprisonment for life, OR
- Imprisonment for up to 10 years, AND
- Fine
Illustrations of Section 159 BNS
Example 1: Inciting Mutiny in the Army
A political leader gives a speech urging soldiers to revolt against their commanding officers. Since this abets mutiny, the leader can be prosecuted under Section 159 BNS.
Example 2: Spreading Anti-Government Propaganda Among Soldiers
A person circulates false news to mislead soldiers into disobeying their commands. Since this attempts to seduce them from duty, it is punishable under Section 159 BNS.
Example 3: Encouraging Desertion from Duty
A former soldier persuades serving airmen to leave their posts and refuse to fight. Since this attempts to seduce soldiers from duty, it is a crime under Section 159 BNS.
Common Questions and Answers on Section 159 BNS
1. What is the difference between ‘abetting mutiny’ and ‘seducing a soldier from duty’?
- Abetting mutiny means directly encouraging soldiers to revolt.
- Seducing a soldier from duty means persuading or influencing them to neglect their duty.
2. Is Section 159 BNS applicable only to civilians?
No. Even serving or former military personnel can be prosecuted if they abet mutiny or seduce others from duty.
3. What if someone unknowingly influences a soldier?
If the intent to seduce or abet mutiny is absent, the person may not be held liable under Section 159 BNS.
4. Can sharing social media content be considered an offense?
Yes, if a person shares material that incites mutiny or encourages soldiers to abandon their duty, they can be punished.
5. What is the maximum punishment under Section 159 BNS?
- Imprisonment for life, OR
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment, AND
- Fine
Conclusion
Section 159 BNS is a critical law to maintain military discipline and national security. Any act that encourages rebellion or disloyalty in the armed forces is punishable with life imprisonment or a 10-year sentence.
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