IPC Section 153 — Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot

Summary

If a person deliberately or recklessly does something illegal that provokes someone else, and they intend or know that this provocation is likely to cause a riot, then they face punishment. If a riot actually happens because of that provocation, the punishment can be up to one year in prison, or a fine, or both. If no riot occurs, the punishment is up to six months in prison, or a fine, or both.

Official Text

Whoever malignantly, or wantonly by doing anything which is illegal, gives provocation to any person intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause the offence of rioting to be committed, shall, if the offence of rioting be committed in consequence of such provocation, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both, and if the offence of rioting be not committed, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.

Related Judgments

• HCP/1695/2018 — Madras High Court (2018)
• .. Appellant vs State — Madras High Court (2006)
• .. Petitioner/Appellant/Accused vs State rep. by — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.48 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• ... Appellant / Accused vs The State, Rep. by the Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court (2017)
• CRL A(MD)/516/2017 — Madras High Court ()
• S.C.R. 1 ARUN RAJ v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (2010)
• .. Appellant/Sole accused vs State rep. by the — Madras High Court ()

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §192 — Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot-if rioting be committed; if not committed