3 Yrs Jail for Propagating Fake News in Proposed New Law

New Delhi: In the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, there is a provision under section 195 that deals with those spreading ‘fake news or misleading information’.

As per the provision, people jeopardising the sovereignty and security of India through fake news shall be punished for up to three years of imprisonment.

Section 195 (1) d reads, “…makes or publishes false or misleading information jeopardising the sovereignty unity and integrity or security of India, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”

Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday introduced three Bills, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023.

These bills will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, (1898), 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.