Section 147

Section 147 is the most severe provision in the BNS's chapter on offences against the State — punishing the ultimate act of armed rebellion against the Government of India with death or life imprisonment. The offence has three forms: actually waging war (armed uprising against the State), attempting to wage war (taking concrete steps toward an armed rebellion), and abetting the waging of war (supporting, financing, or facilitating those who wage war). The section applies to any person — Indian citizen or foreign national — who takes up arms against the Government of India or participates in an organised armed rebellion. The BNS's restructuring places this provision in Chapter VII (Offences Against the State) — earlier in the code than its IPC position — reflecting its constitutional and foundational importance. The section has been invoked in cases of terrorist organisations that have directly challenged India's territorial integrity through armed means. The relationship between BNS 147 and BNS 113 (Terrorist Act) is important — the same acts may attract both provisions, and prosecutors choose based on the evidence available and the specific nature of the threat.