What kind of work is considered terrorism? The definition is given in the new law

The Indian Judicial Code (BNS) 2023, which came into force from July 1, has made a law regarding terrorism, which has no mention in the old Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to Section 113 of the BNS, whoever does any act in India or any other country with the intention of endangering the unity, integrity, and security of India, it will be considered a terrorist activity.

Section 113 states that causing harm to 'economic stability' is a serious offence.Image Credit: Getty Images

India has always stressed on stopping terrorism on global forums. Recently, PM Narendra Modi condemned terrorism during his visit to Russia. Referring to the terrorist incidents in Moscow and Dagestan, PM Modi said that I can imagine how deep the pain of these incidents will be. I strongly condemn all forms of terrorism. For the first time, 'terrorism' has been defined in the new laws implemented in India. Till now there was no section regarding terrorism in the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Section 113 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023 defines 'terrorist activities' as those which threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty and economic security of India.

Which activities are considered terrorism?

Under Section 113, any person who, while being in India or in a foreign country, does any act with the intent to endanger the unity, integrity and security of India or to intimidate the general public or a section of the public will be deemed to have committed a terrorist act.

If any Indian is killed or his life is endangered by the use of bombs, dynamite or any other lethal weapon or poison, then it will be called terrorism. Damage to property or extensive interference in vital infrastructure will also come under this category.

Section 113 states that harming India's 'monetary stability' is a serious crime. Action will be taken under the section of 'terrorist activities' against a person printing or smuggling fake notes or coins.

What is the punishment for helping terrorism?

Whoever commits a terrorist offence and it results in the death of any person, such offender shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life without the benefit of parole, and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees. In any other case, such offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees.

Any person who is a member of a terrorist organisation or who is involved in a terrorist act shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine.

Any person who knowingly shelters or conceals an offender committing a terrorist act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years. The imprisonment may extend to imprisonment for life. However, this subsection shall not apply to a case where the spouse of the offender has sheltered or concealed the offender.

Whoever possesses any property or money which has been acquired through a terrorist act or terrorist funds shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to imprisonment for life.