From time immemorial, the states have created laws of treason to safeguard and preserve its existence. The Indian Penal Code, 1860 has incorporated the law of preservation of State by setting out twelve distinct offences against the State in Chapter VI in the enactment. It is provided that whoever, wages war against the Government of India or attempts to wage such war, or assists the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine. The Conspiracy to commit such offences has also been made punishable under the Code. The collection of arms, ammunition etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. The act of assaulting the President or Governor of any State with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power has been made punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to seven years and also imposition of fine. The law on Sedition provides that whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
