Section 153B IPC: Imputations Prejudicial to National Integration in India

1. State the Code

Section 153B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

2. Explain It

This section criminalizes the act of making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report that is:

• Intentionally and maliciously made for the purpose of promoting enmity or hatred between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
• Intentionally and maliciously made for the purpose of causing fear or alarm to the public, or any section of the public, in relation to any such group.
• Intentionally and maliciously made for the purpose of inciting any group to commit any offence against any other group.

The section aims to protect national integration and prevent communal violence by prohibiting the spread of hate speech and inflammatory content that could incite violence.

3. Illustrate It

Here are some examples of activities that could fall under Section 153B:

• Publishing a newspaper article that incites hatred against a particular religious community.
• Spreading rumors on social media that falsely accuse a particular ethnic group of being responsible for crime.
• Making speeches or delivering sermons that promote violence against a specific language group.

4. Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the punishment for violating Section 153B?

A: The punishment for violating Section 153B is imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Q: What is the difference between Section 153A and Section 153B?

A: Section 153A deals with promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. It focuses on inciting violence or hatred between groups. Section 153B, on the other hand, is broader and also covers acts that are intended to cause fear or alarm to the public or any section of the public in relation to any such group.

Q: What are some defenses against charges under Section 153B?

A: Some common defenses include:

• The statement, rumour or report was not made with the intention of promoting enmity or hatred, causing fear or alarm, or inciting violence.
• The statement, rumour or report was made in good faith and for the purpose of public good.
• The statement, rumour or report was made in the course of a fair and accurate report of a public event.