Practice paper — BNS Chapter VII — Of Offences Against The State
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1.Which of the following acts is expressly made an offence by Section 147 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
- (A) Waging war against the Government of India
- (B) Sedition against the Government of India
- (C) Conspiracy to commit a civil wrong
- (D) Publishing false statements about the Government
2.What punishment does Section 147 prescribe for the offence it defines?
- (A) Imprisonment for up to seven years and fine
- (B) Imprisonment for life without fine
- (C) Death, or imprisonment for life, and fine
- (D) Only death
3.If a person attempts but does not succeed in waging war against the Government of India, is that conduct covered by Section 147?
- (A) No, only a successful waging of war is covered
- (B) Yes, an attempt to wage such war is covered
- (C) Yes, but only if it causes loss of life
- (D) No, attempts are excluded and covered elsewhere
4.Does abetting the waging of war against the Government of India attract the penalty specified in Section 147?
- (A) Abetting is not an offence under this section
- (B) Abetting attracts a lesser, specified punishment distinct from Section 147
- (C) Only abetting that results in an actual war is punishable under Section 147
- (D) Yes; abetting the waging of such war is punishable with death, or imprisonment for life, and fine
5.According to the illustration to Section 147, A joins an insurrection against the Government of India. The illustration states A has committed the offence defined in this section. Joining an insurrection is therefore an example of which form of conduct under the section?
- (A) Waging war against the Government of India
- (B) Attempting to wage war
- (C) Abetting the waging of war
- (D) A non-punishable political act
6.According to Section 148, where can the conspiracy be committed for the offence to be covered?
- (A) Only within India
- (B) Within or without and beyond India
- (C) Only beyond India
- (D) Only within India or on its territorial waters
7.Is it necessary under Section 148 that some act or illegal omission must take place in pursuance of the conspiracy for the offence to be constituted?
- (A) Yes, an act or illegal omission must always take place
- (B) Yes, but only if the conspiracy is outside India
- (C) No, it is not necessary that any act or illegal omission take place
- (D) Only if the conspiracy is to overawe the government
8.Which of the following correctly states the punishment prescribed by Section 148?
- (A) Death penalty
- (B) Only a fine
- (C) Community service only
- (D) Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description which may extend to ten years, and also liable to fine
9.Does Section 148 apply only to conspiracies aimed at 'overawing' the Central or any State Government, or does it cover other conspiracies as well?
- (A) Yes — it applies only to conspiracies to overawe the government
- (B) No — it also covers conspiracies to commit any of the offences punishable by section 147
- (C) Only if the conspiracy occurs beyond India
- (D) Only if some act has been done in pursuance of the conspiracy
10.What conduct is prohibited under Section 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
- (A) Collecting men, arms or ammunition or otherwise preparing to wage war with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against the Government of India.
- (B) Collecting men, arms or ammunition to wage war against any State Government.
- (C) Expressing dissent against the Government of India through speech or writing.
- (D) Organising a peaceful public protest against government policies.
11.If a person collects arms intending only to be prepared to wage war (but not to actually start waging war immediately) against the Government of India, does Section 149 apply?
- (A) Yes — the section covers being prepared to wage war as well as actually waging war.
- (B) No — the section applies only where war is actually waged.
- (C) Only if the person uses the arms to cause casualties.
- (D) Only if the person explicitly announces commencement of hostilities.
12.Does Section 149 apply where only men are collected (and no arms or ammunition) with the requisite intention against the Government of India?
- (A) No — the section applies only if arms or ammunition are collected.
- (B) Yes — the provision expressly includes collecting men as covered conduct.
- (C) Only if the collected men are armed at the time of collection.
- (D) Only if the men are foreign nationals.
13.Against which target does Section 149 criminalise preparing to wage war?
- (A) A State Government within India.
- (B) A foreign government.
- (C) Any government (central or state).
- (D) The Government of India.
14.Under Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the offence primarily involves:
- (A) Concealing the existence of a design to wage war against the Government of India
- (B) Waging war against the Government of India
- (C) Membership of an organization planning unlawful acts
- (D) Reporting false information to authorities
15.What punishment does Section 150 prescribe for the offence?
- (A) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years
- (B) Life imprisonment
- (C) Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and also liable to fine
- (D) Only a fine
16.Section 150 applies where the concealed design is to wage war against:
- (A) Any government (central, state or local)
- (B) The Government of India
- (C) A private entity planning armed conflict
- (D) Only foreign governments
17.If a person conceals the existence of such a design but neither intends to facilitate nor knows that concealment is likely to facilitate the waging of war, is the person punishable under Section 150?
- (A) Yes — concealment alone is sufficient regardless of mental state
- (B) Yes — if the omission is illegal, mental state need not be shown
- (C) No — the provision requires either the intent to facilitate or knowledge that concealment is likely to facilitate the waging of the war
- (D) Only if the design actually results in a war
18.Who are the persons specifically protected under Section 151 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
- (A) The President of India only
- (B) The President of India and the Governor of any State
- (C) The Governor of a State only
- (D) Any public servant
19.Which of the following acts is expressly included within the conduct prohibited by Section 151?
- (A) Assaulting the President with criminal force
- (B) Wrongfully restraining the Governor
- (C) Overawing the President by the show of criminal force
- (D) All of the above
20.Does a mere verbal threat (without criminal force or the show of criminal force) to a Governor, intended to make the Governor refrain from using a lawful power, fall within Section 151?
- (A) No — the provision requires assault, wrongful restraint, overawing by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force.
- (B) Yes — any threat intended to induce or compel is covered.
- (C) Only if the Governor acts on the threat.
- (D) Only if the threat is made in writing.
21.Would Section 151 apply if the assault is directed at a person who formerly held the office of Governor but is no longer the Governor?
- (A) Yes — the section protects anyone who has held the office of Governor.
- (B) No — the provision specifically refers to the 'Governor of any State', meaning the office-holder, not a former holder.
- (C) Yes — the term 'Governor' includes former governors under this provision.
- (D) It depends on whether the former Governor still exercises the powers of the office.
22.Under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, what is the punishment prescribed for committing the offence described?
- (A) Imprisonment for life or imprisonment which may extend to seven years, and fine
- (B) Imprisonment which may extend to seven years and fine (no life imprisonment)
- (C) Imprisonment for life only (no shorter term option)
- (D) Fine only
23.Which mental state is required by Section 152 for liability under this offence?
- (A) Negligence
- (B) Strict liability (no mental state required)
- (C) Purposely or knowingly
- (D) Recklessness only
24.A person publicly criticises government measures and seeks their alteration by lawful means, without exciting secession or rebellion. Under Section 152, is this conduct an offence?
- (A) No — such comments do not constitute an offence
- (B) Yes — any criticism of government is an offence
- (C) Yes — but only if communicated electronically
- (D) No — unless financial means are used to support separatist activities
25.Does Section 152 include the 'use of financial mean' as a mode by which the offence can be committed?
- (A) Yes — the provision lists 'by use of financial mean' among the modes
- (B) No — financial means are not mentioned in the provision
- (C) Only if the financial means are used to fund armed rebellion
- (D) Only if financial means are combined with electronic communication
26.Which of the following acts is expressly made an offence by Section 153 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
- (A) Waging war against the Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India.
- (B) Waging war against the Government of India.
- (C) Negotiating treaties with a foreign State.
- (D) Peaceful protest against a foreign State.
27.Which one of the following is listed as a possible punishment under Section 153?
- (A) Death penalty.
- (B) Community service.
- (C) Imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added.
- (D) Imprisonment for ten years with mandatory fine.
28.Does Section 153 apply to attempts or abetment in addition to actual waging of war?
- (A) It applies only to the person who actually wages the war.
- (B) It applies to waging and attempting but not to abetment.
- (C) It applies to waging and abetment but not to attempts.
- (D) It applies to waging, attempting to wage such war, and abetting the waging of such war.
29.Under Section 153, when is the offence made out in relation to the foreign State?
- (A) When the foreign State is at war with the Government of India.
- (B) When the foreign State is at peace with the Government of India.
- (C) When the foreign State is not recognized by India.
- (D) Whenever any war is waged against any foreign State regardless of its relations with India.
30.Which of the following punishments is NOT provided for under Section 153?
- (A) Imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added.
- (B) Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, to which fine may be added.
- (C) Fine.
- (D) Death penalty.
31.Does Section 154 criminalize preparations to commit depredation on the territories of a foreign State at peace with the Government of India?
- (A) No, only the completed act of depredation is criminalized
- (B) Yes, making preparations to commit depredation is criminalized
- (C) Only attempts within Indian territory are covered
- (D) Only if the foreign State is at war with India
32.What is the maximum term of imprisonment provided by Section 154 for committing or preparing to commit depredation on the territories of a foreign State at peace with the Government of India?
- (A) Three years
- (B) Five years
- (C) Seven years
- (D) Life imprisonment
33.Does Section 154 apply to depredation committed on the territories of a foreign State that is not at peace with the Government of India?
- (A) Yes, it applies irrespective of the foreign State's status
- (B) Yes, but only if India authorizes
- (C) No, it applies only when the foreign State is allied with India
- (D) No, it applies only to territories of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India
34.Which property is liable to forfeiture under Section 154 when someone commits or prepares to commit depredation on the territories of a foreign State at peace with the Government of India?
- (A) Only property actually used in committing the depredation
- (B) Only property intended to be used in committing the depredation
- (C) Only property acquired by the depredation
- (D) Any property used or intended to be used in committing the depredation, or acquired by such depredation
35.Under Section 155, what is the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed?
- (A) Three years
- (B) Seven years
- (C) Ten years
- (D) Life imprisonment
36.Does Section 155 apply when a person receives property without knowing that it was taken in the commission of any of the offences mentioned in sections 153 and 154?
- (A) Yes — knowledge is irrelevant
- (B) No — the receiver must know the property was so taken
- (C) Only if the value of the property exceeds a statutory threshold
- (D) Only if the receiver conceals or disposes of the property
37.According to Section 155, which property is liable to forfeiture?
- (A) Only the property so received
- (B) All property owned by the receiver
- (C) Only proceeds from the sale of the received property
- (D) Any property of the receiver whether related or unrelated
38.The phrase "imprisonment of either description" in Section 155 most nearly means which of the following?
- (A) Imprisonment with hard labour only
- (B) Indeterminate detention without a fixed term
- (C) Imprisonment applicable only to political offences
- (D) Imprisonment either rigorous or simple
39.Under Section 156, who is criminally liable for allowing a State prisoner to escape?
- (A) Any person who helps the prisoner escape
- (B) A public servant who has custody of the prisoner
- (C) The prisoner’s fellow inmates who assist the escape
- (D) Only officers of the court
40.Which types of prisoners are specifically covered by Section 156?
- (A) Only civil detainees
- (B) Only criminal offenders
- (C) State prisoners and prisoners of war
- (D) Only juvenile prisoners
41.Does Section 156 limit its application to escapes from formal prisons only?
- (A) Yes, it applies only to recognized prisons
- (B) Yes, it applies only to jails and prisons
- (C) No, it applies only to places under military control
- (D) No, it applies to escape from any place in which the prisoner is confined
42.What sentencing options does Section 156 prescribe for a public servant who voluntarily allows a State prisoner to escape?
- (A) Both imprisonment for life and a ten‑year term must be imposed together
- (B) Only a fine may be imposed
- (C) Either imprisonment for life or imprisonment (of either description) for a term which may extend to ten years, and also a fine
- (D) Imprisonment for a fixed term of exactly ten years without fine
43.Under Section 157, who is the person specifically criminally liable for negligently suffering a prisoner to escape?
- (A) Any person present at the place of confinement
- (B) A public servant who has custody of the prisoner
- (C) The prisoner’s counsel or legal representative
- (D) Any member of the general public
44.What is the maximum term of imprisonment provided by Section 157 for negligently suffering such a prisoner to escape?
- (A) One year
- (B) Two years
- (C) Three years
- (D) Five years
45.Would a privately employed guard (not a public servant) be covered by this Section if a prisoner in state custody escaped due to the guard's negligence?
- (A) No — the provision applies only to public servants who have custody
- (B) Yes — any guard in physical custody situations is covered
- (C) Yes — the provision applies to all persons responsible for prisoners regardless of employment
- (D) No — it applies only to prisoners of war
46.Does Section 157 make the imposition of a fine optional, or are both imprisonment and liability to fine required?
- (A) Only imprisonment up to three years is mandated, fine is optional
- (B) Only a fine is mandated, imprisonment is optional
- (C) Both imprisonment (up to three years) and liability to fine are required
- (D) Either imprisonment or a fine may be imposed at the court’s discretion
47.Which of the following acts is/are expressly made punishable under Section 158 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
- (A) Knowingly aiding or assisting escape, rescuing or attempting to rescue, harbouring or concealing escaped State prisoners or prisoners of war, or offering or attempting resistance to their recapture
- (B) Only aiding or assisting escape of any prisoner
- (C) Only harbouring a prisoner who is lawfully at large
- (D) Only offering resistance to the recapture of a prisoner
48.To which categories of persons does Section 158 specifically apply?
- (A) Any person unlawfully at large
- (B) Only State prisoner or prisoner of war
- (C) Any accused or convict irrespective of classification
- (D) Only foreign nationals in custody
49.A State prisoner is permitted to be at large on parole within specified limits in India. Under Section 158's Explanation, when is such a prisoner treated as having "escaped from lawful custody"?
- (A) Only if the prisoner removes restraints or uses force to leave custody
- (B) If the prisoner goes beyond the limits within which he is allowed to be at large
- (C) Only if the parole was granted unlawfully
- (D) If the prisoner commits a new offence while on parole
50.Does Section 158 criminalise harbouring or concealing a prisoner who is still lawfully in custody (i.e., has not escaped)?
- (A) Yes — harbouring any prisoner is covered
- (B) Yes — but only if harbouring is by a public servant
- (C) No — it only covers harbouring or concealing any such prisoner who has escaped from lawful custody
- (D) Only if harbouring takes place inside a correctional facility
Answer key
Explanations
- 1. (A) Section 147 states that whoever wages war against the Government of India (or attempts to do so, or abets it) shall be punished. The provision specifically criminalises waging war against the Government of India.
- 2. (C) Section 147 provides that the offender shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine. Thus the statute expressly lists death or life imprisonment plus liability to fine.
- 3. (B) Section 147 expressly includes an attempt to wage such war as punishable: it says ‘whoever wages war … or attempts to wage such war’. Therefore an attempt is within the section's scope.
- 4. (D) Section 147 includes abetting the waging of such war within its scope and prescribes punishment: ‘or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine.’
- 5. (A) The illustration treats A joining an insurrection as having committed the offence defined in the section. That indicates joining an insurrection is treated as waging war against the Government of India under Section 147.
- 6. (B) The provision states explicitly: "Whoever within or without and beyond India conspires..." indicating the offence covers conspiracies committed within, without and beyond India.
- 7. (C) The Explanation in the section states: "To constitute a conspiracy under this section, it is not necessary that any act or illegal omission shall take place in pursuance thereof." Therefore no such act is required.
- 8. (D) The section prescribes: "shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine." No death penalty or community service is mentioned.
- 9. (B) The section covers two alternatives: conspiring to commit offences punishable by section 147, "or conspires to overawe... the Central Government or any State Government." Thus it is not limited to overawing the government.
- 10. (A) Section 149 criminalises whoever collects men, arms or ammunition or otherwise prepares to wage war with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against the Government of India. The text of the provision explicitly describes that specific preparatory conduct directed against the Government of India.
- 11. (A) Section 149 criminalises collecting arms or otherwise preparing to wage war 'with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against the Government of India.' The explicit inclusion of 'being prepared' means preparatory intent suffices even without actual waging of war.
- 12. (B) The provision specifies 'Whoever collects men, arms or ammunition or otherwise prepares to wage war' which expressly lists collecting men as covered conduct. Therefore collecting men with the requisite intention falls within Section 149.
- 13. (D) The provision expressly states the offence is 'with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against the Government of India.' Thus the target specified in the text is the Government of India, not other governments.
- 14. (A) The provision expressly criminalises whoever "conceals the existence of a design to wage war against the Government of India." It is the act or illegal omission of concealment that the section targets, not the act of waging war itself.
- 15. (C) Section 150 states punishment as "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine." Thus the correct penalty is up to ten years' imprisonment (either description) together with liability to pay a fine.
- 16. (B) The provision specifically refers to a "design to wage war against the Government of India." It therefore targets concealment of designs directed at the Government of India rather than other entities.
- 17. (C) Section 150 requires that the concealment be done "intending by such concealment to facilitate, or knowing it to be likely that such concealment will facilitate" the waging of war. Absent either of these mental states, the ingredients set out in the provision are not satisfied.
- 18. (B) The provision expressly refers to the "President of India, or Governor of any State," so both the President and a State Governor are the persons protected under this section.
- 19. (D) The text lists assault, wrongful restraint (and attempts), and overawing by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force as covered conduct, so all the listed acts are expressly included.
- 20. (A) Section 151 requires assault, wrongful restraint (or attempts) or overawing by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force. Mere verbal threats without criminal force or its show are not covered by the listed modes of conduct.
- 21. (B) The provision identifies the protected person as the "Governor of any State" (and the "President of India"), referring to the office-holder. A former holder is not described in the text as the person covered by this section.
- 22. (A) Section 152 states that the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine." Thus both life and a term up to seven years, plus fine, are prescribed.
- 23. (C) The section begins by specifying the mental element as "Whoever, purposely or knowingly, ..." therefore the offence requires that the conduct be done purposely or knowingly, not merely negligently or as strict liability.
- 24. (A) The Explanation to Section 152 states that "Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures, or administrative or other action of the Government with a view to obtain their alteration by lawful means without exciting or attempting to excite the activities referred to in this section do not constitute an offence under this section."
- 25. (A) The text lists several modes including "by electronic communication or by use of financial mean, or otherwise," showing that use of financial means is explicitly included as a mode of committing the offence.
- 26. (A) The provision begins: 'Whoever wages war against the Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India...' making that specific act an offence. Other options are not mentioned in the text.
- 27. (C) Section 153 specifies punishment including 'imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added.' Death, community service and a ten-year mandatory sentence are not provided in the text.
- 28. (D) The provision states: 'Whoever wages war ... or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished...' thus covering waging, attempts and abetment alike.
- 29. (B) The section specifically refers to 'the Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India,' indicating the offence is defined in relation to foreign States that are at peace with India. Other situations are not covered by this phrasing.
- 30. (D) Section 153 lists imprisonment for life (with possible fine), imprisonment of either description up to seven years (with possible fine), or fine. The death penalty is not mentioned among the punishments.
- 31. (B) The provision explicitly covers both committing depredation and "makes preparations to commit depredation" on the specified territories. Therefore preparations are criminalized under this Section.
- 32. (C) Section 154 provides punishment with "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years." Hence the maximum term specified is seven years.
- 33. (D) The text of Section 154 is limited to "the territories of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India." Therefore it does not apply to territories of foreign States not at peace with India.
- 34. (D) Section 154 provides forfeiture of "any property used or intended to be used in committing such depredation, or acquired by such depredation." Thus both categories—used/intended and acquired property—are liable to forfeiture.
- 35. (B) The provision states the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years," so the maximum term is seven years.
- 36. (B) The provision applies to "Whoever receives any property knowing the same to have been taken" — the requirement of knowledge is explicit, so lack of knowledge excludes liability under this section.
- 37. (A) The section states the offender "shall also be liable to ... forfeiture of the property so received," which limits forfeiture to the property that was received as described.
- 38. (D) Section 155 uses the phrase "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years," which indicates imprisonment may be of either description—commonly understood as rigorous or simple imprisonment.
- 39. (B) Section 156 applies to "whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of war, voluntarily allows such prisoner to escape." Thus liability is on a public servant who has custody of the prisoner.
- 40. (C) The provision explicitly refers to "any State prisoner or prisoner of war," so those two categories are covered by Section 156.
- 41. (D) The provision covers allowing escape "from any place in which such prisoner is confined," which indicates no restriction to formal prisons alone; it applies to any place of confinement.
- 42. (C) Section 156 states the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine," indicating the sentence is either life or a term up to ten years, and a fine is also provided for.
- 43. (B) The provision begins with "Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of war, negligently suffers such prisoner to escape..." so liability attaches to a public servant who has custody of the prisoner.
- 44. (C) The provision states the offender "shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years," so the maximum term is three years.
- 45. (A) The offence applies to "whoever, being a public servant and having the custody..." so a private guard who is not a public servant is not covered by this Section as written.
- 46. (C) The provision states the offender "shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine," indicating both imprisonment and liability to fine are mandated by the provision.
- 47. (A) Section 158 lists all those acts: aiding or assisting escape, rescuing or attempting to rescue, harbouring or concealing any such prisoner who has escaped, and offering or attempting resistance to recapture. The provision therefore punishes the full set of actions together.
- 48. (B) The provision begins with “Whoever knowingly aids or assists any State prisoner or prisoner of war…”, so the offence is defined with reference to a State prisoner or prisoner of war. It does not extend in the text to all prisoners generally.
- 49. (B) The Explanation to Section 158 states that a State prisoner on parole is said to escape from lawful custody if he goes beyond the limits within which he is allowed to be at large. The test is exceeding the permitted limits, not removal of restraints or commission of another offence.
- 50. (C) Section 158 specifically criminalises "harbours or conceals any such prisoner who has escaped from lawful custody", so the offence as written applies to harbouring after the prisoner has escaped. It does not criminalise harbouring while the prisoner remains in lawful custody.