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Non-BailableCognizable: CognizableCourt of Session
Reform Highlights
1
Renumbered from IPC 123 to BNS 150.
2
10-year maximum preserved.
3
Covers both active lies and illegal omissions (failure to report).
THE STATUTE
The Clause
Whoever by any act or by any illegal omission conceals the existence of a design to wage war against the Government of India, intending by such concealment to facilitate or knowing it to be likely that such concealment will facilitate the execution of such design, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Legal Commentary
Section 150 targets those who have knowledge of a planned war against the state but choose to hide it — covering both active concealment (lying to authorities) and illegal omissions (failure to report when legally bound to do so). The provision ensures that persons in the orbit of an insurgent group who know of its plans cannot remain passive observers — they have a legal duty to report such knowledge. Unlike Sections 147–149 which require participation in the rebellion, Section 150 catches those who provide cover and concealment to rebellious designs without themselves being active participants. Every citizen who becomes aware of a design to wage war is obligated to report it to the nearest magistrate or police officer; deliberately concealing such knowledge to facilitate the plan is this offence.
Case Simulations
"Knowing that a group is planning an armed raid on a police armory and purposefully misleading police — Section 150."
"Harbouring insurgents and denying their presence to security forces — Section 150."
Expert Insights
Yes — under the BNSS procedural code, every person aware of a design to commit such offences is legally bound to give information to the nearest magistrate or police officer. Knowingly concealing this with intent to facilitate the plan is Section 150.