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Section 154: Committing Depredation on Territories of Foreign State

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Chapter VII: Of Offences Against the State & Armed Forces • Official Statutory Text & Legal Guide

Chapter VII: Of Offences Against the State & Armed Forces
Court of Session
Non-Bailable
Cognizable
Formerly Sec 126 IPC
Section 153 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 155

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 154

Section 154 penalizes committing depredation on the territories of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India, prescribing imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and fine, alongside forfeiture of property used.

  • Cross-Border Depredation: Committing plunder, armed raids, or looting on territories of friendly foreign sovereign states.
  • Preparation & Execution: Making preparations to commit depredation on foreign territory.
  • Forfeiture of Assets: Mandatory forfeiture of all property used or acquired in committing such depredation (formerly Section 126 IPC).
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Empress v. Moorga Chetty (1881) ILR 5 Bom 338: Affirmed that armed plundering raids across borders violate national neutrality and are punishable under penal law.
  • Nazir Khan v. State of Delhi (2003) 8 SCC 461: Examined cross-border armed activities and the forfeiture of illicit logistics under penal provisions.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

In maritime piracy or cross-border border raids, check seizure memos: Section 154 BNS carries forfeiture of all boats, vehicles, and weapons; defense counsel must move for release on superdari under Section 503 BNSS demonstrating lawful ownership.

Section 153 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 155