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Wednesday, 11 November 2026 Judgments, law jobs and study notes, written by a practising advocate
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter VIII: Of Offences Relating To The Army, Navy And Air Force

Section 161 BNS: Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office

Corresponding IPC
Section 133 IPC
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 3 years, and fine

Classification of offence

SectionCognizable?Bailable?Triable by
161CognizableNon-bailableMagistrate of the first class

As per the First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Bare Act text

Whoever abets an assault by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India, on any superior officer being in the execution of his office, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Text as enacted in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023), in force from 1 July 2024. Source: India Code, Government of India.

In simple words

Punishes abetting an assault by an armed forces member on a superior officer who is in the execution of his office.

Chapter VIII: Of Offences Relating To The Army, Navy And Air Force

  1. 159 Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty
  2. 160 Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof
  3. 161 Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office
  4. 162 Abetment of such assault, if assault committed
  5. 163 Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman
  6. 164 Harbouring deserter
  7. 165 Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master
  8. 166 Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman
  9. 167 Persons subject to certain Acts
  10. 168 Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman