UPSC Law Optional 2026 PYQ: Paper II Q1(e) – From Sedition to BNS Section 152
This UPSC Law Optional PYQ 2026 asks about one of the most debated changes in the new criminal laws: the move from sedition to BNS Section 152.
UPSC CSE Mains 2026 · Law Optional Paper II · Section A · Q1(e) · 10 marks
"From 'sedition' under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 to 'acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, how has the law changed? Explain."
Source: exam held 30 August 2026. Full 2026 Paper I & II
What this question tests
This is a compare-and-explain question. The examiner wants to see whether you know both provisions, Section 124A IPC and Section 152 BNS, and can explain clearly what changed: the protected interest, the key words and the punishment. You also need to show whether the change is in substance or mostly in name. A short reference to how courts read sedition earlier adds depth.
Syllabus unit
Paper II, Section A: Law of Crimes, offences against the State, read with the new criminal laws (BNS, 2023). The 2026 paper had three BNS-based parts worth 45 marks, so this area now needs IPC and BNS side by side.
How to approach it (about 150 words)
Intro: one line on sedition under Section 124A IPC and its replacement in the BNS.
Old law: the ingredients of 124A, and the judicial reading in Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) and the 2022 order in S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India.
New law: the ingredients of Section 152 BNS. Compare the target, the words used and the punishment in a short table.
Assessment: what is genuinely new and what concerns remain.
Conclusion: a balanced one-liner.
Common mistakes
Saying sedition was simply "abolished" without explaining Section 152.
No comparison table, so the change is not clear in 150 words.
Missing the judicial background.
Practice it now
Write your answer in 20 minutes and share it in the comments. Our model answer will be added here at 2:00 PM IST.
Practise more: Answer-Writing Practice · Test Series · Law Optional Courses · Store. Questions: Call/WhatsApp 6382125862.
Related reading on Lawxpertsmv
Sedition and Section 152 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (model answer): our earlier answer comparing Section 124A IPC with Section 152 BNS.
Voicing dissent against government is not sedition: Supreme Court: the judicial reading of Section 124A.
Model answer
[Model answer to be added at 2:00 PM IST]
FAQ
Which paper and question is this? UPSC CSE Mains 2026, Law Optional Paper II, Section A, Question 1(e), 10 marks.
Which syllabus unit does it belong to? Law of Crimes: offences against the State under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
How long should the answer be? About 150 words, standard for a 10-mark question.
Where can I find the full 2026 Law Optional papers? On UPSC's previous question papers page and in our post
![Sedition and Section 152 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita [Answer Updated]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9445bf_68129b25e5754cc1a55e0c5b72697cff~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/9445bf_68129b25e5754cc1a55e0c5b72697cff~mv2.png)
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