Sedition

⁴⁶[Whoever 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 shall be punished with ⁴⁷[imprisonment for life] or any shorter term, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.]

Explanation 1.—The expression "disaffection" includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.

Explanation 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.

Explanation 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.

⁴⁶ Section 124A was substituted, for section 124A by section 4 of the Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 1898 (Act No. IV of 1898).

⁴⁷ The words "imprisonment for life" were substituted, for the words "transportation for life or any shorter term" by section 12 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985).