The IPC 1860 was replaced by the BNS 2023 (in force 2024-07-01); no verified section mapping on file for Section 153B — confirm the corresponding provision (savings: Section 358, BNS 2023).
(1) Whoever, by words either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, - (a) Makes or publishes any imputation that any class of persons cannot, by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community, bear true faith and allegiance to Constitution of India as by law established or uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, or (b) Asserts, counsels, advises, propagates or publishes that any class or persons shall, by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community, be denied or deprived of their rights as citizens of India or (c) Makes or publishes any assertion, counsel, plea or appeal concerning the obligation of any class of persons, by reason of their being members of any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community, and such assertion, counsel, plea or appeal causes or is likely to cause disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will between such members and other persons, Shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. (2) Whoever commits an offence specified in sub-section (1), in any place of worship or in any assembly engaged in the performance of religious worship or religious ceremonies, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE Para I: Punishment--Imprisonment for 3 years, or fine, or both--Cognizable--Non-bailable--Triable by Magistrate of the first class--Non-compoundable. Para II: Punishment--Imprisonment for 5 years and fine--Cognizable--Non-bailable--Triable by Magistrate of the first class--Non-compoundable.