The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

[1](XLV OF 1860)

[6th October, 1860]

[2][153A. Promoting enmity between different groups, etc. Whoever,--

(a)     by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representations, or otherwise, promotes or incites, or attempts to promote or incite, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other grounds whatsoever, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities; or

(b)     commits, or incites any other person to commit, any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or casts or communities or any group of person identifiable as such on any ground whatsoever and which disturbs or is likely to disturb public tranquility; or

(c)     organizes, or incites any other person to organize, any exercise, movement, drill or other similar activity intending that the participants in any such activity shall use or be trained to use criminal force or violence or knowing it to be likely that the participants in any such activity will use or be trained to use criminal force or violence, or participates, or incites any other person to participate, in any such activity intending to use or be trained to use criminal force or violence or knowing it to be likely that the participants in any such             activity will use or be trained to use criminal force or violence, against any religious, racial, language or regional group or caste or community or any group of person identifiable as such on any ground whatsoever and any such activity for any reason whatsoever causes or is likely to cause fear or alarm or a feeling of insecurity amongst members of such religious, racial, language or, regional group or caste or community, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and with fine.

Explanation. It does not amount to an offence within the meaning of this section to point out, without malicious intention and with an honest view to their removal, matters which are producing, or have a tendency to produce, feelings of enmity or hatred between different religious, racial, languages or regional groups or castes or communities].

 



[1].       The Pakistan Penal Code has been declared in force in--

          It has been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., subject to certain modifications; see N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and also extended to the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal other than Phulera by the N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and declared to be in force in that area. w.e.f. 1st June, 1951, see N.W.F.P Gazette, Ext., dated 1-6-1951.

          It has been amended in its application to the N.W.F.P., see N.W.F.P Acts 3 of 1941 and 26 of 1950.

          It has also been extended to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan by the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950 (G.G.O. 3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Areas of Baluchistan, see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, P. 1499.

          It has also been extended by notification under Article 7(1)(a) of the N.W.F.P. (Enlargement of the Area and Alteration of Boundary) Order, 1952 (G. G. O. 1 of 1952), to the added area described in the First Schedule to that Order, w.e.f. 7th February, 1952, see N.W.F.P. Government Gazette, 1952, Pt. I, P. 70.

          It has also been amended in its application to the Province of West Pakistan by the Pakistan Penal Code (West Pakistan (Amdt.) ) Act, 1963 (W.P. Act 6 of 1963), S. 2 (w.e.f. the 18th April, 1963).

          It has also been amended in its application to the Province of West Pakistan by the Pakistan Penal Code (West Pakistan (Amdt.) ) Act, 1964 (W.P. Act 32 of 1964), S. 2 (w.e.f. 27-4-1964).

[2].       S. 153-A was substituted by Act VI of 1973.