Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India or attempts to seduce any such officer, soldier, sailor or airman from his allegiance or his duty, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanations
- In this section the words “officer”, “soldier”, “sailor” and “airman” include any person subject to the 1Army Act, 1the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950), the Naval Discipline Act, 1the Indian Navy (Discipline) Act,1934 (34 of 1934) 1the Air Force Act or 1the Air Force Act, 1950 (45 of 1950), as the case may be.
IPC Section 131: Simplified Explanation
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 131, a weighty legal provision, addresses “Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor, or airman from his duty.” This section is specifically concerned with individuals who are not members of the armed forces but who engage in activities that could incite or support mutiny among military personnel. The section sternly prohibits any attempt to persuade or encourage soldiers, sailors, or airmen to neglect or refuse their duties or to revolt against lawful authority.
The essence of this offence lies in undermining the discipline and order essential to the military’s functioning. Abetting a mutiny or attempting to seduce military personnel from their allegiance or duty poses a serious threat to national security and military efficiency.
Is IPC Section 131 Bailable?
IPC Section 131 is non-bailable, meaning that the decision to grant bail is at the discretion of the court, and it is not a matter of right for the accused. This underscores the seriousness of the offence and the potential consequences for the accused.
IPC Section 131 Punishment
The punishment for committing the offence under IPC Section 131 is not to be taken lightly. It can be severe, reflecting the gravity of the crime. The convicted person can be sentenced to imprisonment for life or for any shorter term, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offence.
Example of IPC Section 131
Instances of IPC Section 131 being invoked in real life are rare, adding to the intrigue of this offence. When they do occur, they often involve a civilian caught providing sensitive information or persuasion aimed at causing dissent within military ranks. Due to the confidentiality and security concerns surrounding such cases, specific details are often not publicly disclosed. Nonetheless, the few instances that do come to light usually involve complex interactions between civilians and military personnel, with the intent to disrupt the established military discipline and order.
