Archive · 9 Aug 2025
SC Reviews Challenge to BNS Law on Endangering India
The Supreme Court is looking into a new law (Section 152 of the BNS) that deals with actions that could harm the country, similar to the old sedition law.
This law could punish people for speaking their minds if their words are seen as encouraging separation or going against the country's unity.
A retired army officer argues that the new law is essentially the same as the old one, just with different wording.
The court has asked the government for its thoughts and is reviewing this case alongside the old sedition law, which the court had previously suspended.
Supreme Court seeks response from the Centre regarding Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The PIL challenges the constitutionality of Section 152, which addresses actions endangering India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
Petitioner Major General S.G. Vombatkere (Retd) argues the provision effectively reinstates the sedition law.
The court previously stayed the operation of the former sedition law (Section 124A of the IPC) in May 2022.
The petitioner claims Section 152 criminalizes broad categories of speech with penalties up to life imprisonment.
- Who
- Major General S.G. Vombatkere (Retd) filed the Public Interest Litigation.
- What
- The Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of Section 152 of the BNS, regarding actions endangering India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
- When
- The Supreme Court issued a notice on Friday.
- Where
- Supreme Court
- Why
- To challenge Section 152 of the BNS, claiming it reinstates the sedition law with broad language.
Critics of Section 152 BNS
Union Government
Vague Language
Critics of Section 152 BNS
The new law reintroduces the colonial sedition law that may be misused.
Union Government
The government has not provided counterarguments regarding the potential misuse of the law.
Chilling Effect
Critics of Section 152 BNS
The law could be used to suppress free speech.
Union Government
The government has not provided counterarguments regarding potential suppression of free speech.
- Legal Provision
- Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Petitioner
- Major General S.G. Vombatkere (Retd)
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Action
- Notice issued to the Central government
- Concern
- Potential misuse of law regarding 'endangering' and 'sovereignty'
- Replaced Law
- Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Punishment
- Seven years to life imprisonment
Sources
Supreme Court seeks Centre's reply on PIL challenging validity of BNS sedition provision
'Sedition Law In New Avatar': Constitutional Validity Of Section 152 Of BNS Challenged In Supreme Court
SC seeks Centre’s reply on plea challenging Section 152 of BNS relating to sedition
Petition alleges Section 152 of BNS reintroduces sedition law, SC seeks Centre’s reply
SC issues notice on plea challenging validity of BNS Section 152
SC To Hear Challenge To BNS Sedition Law
