OFFENCESCentral

Section 17 of The Border Security Force Act, 1968

Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,—

(a)begins, incites, causes or conspires with any other person to cause any mutiny in the Force or in the military, naval or air forces of India or any forces co-operating therewith; or
(b)joins in any such mutiny; or
(c)being present at any such mutiny, does not use his utmost endeavours to suppress the same; or
(d)Knowing or having reason to believe in the existence of any such mutiny, or of any intention to mutiny or of any such conspiracy, does not, without delay, give information thereof to his Commandant or other superior officer; or
(e)endeavours to seduce any person in the Force or in the military, naval or air forces of India or any forces co-operating therewith from his duty or allegiance to the Union, shall, on conviction by a Security Force Court, be liable to suffer death or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.

Summary

Mutiny involves starting, causing, or joining a rebellion against the Force or India's military.
It is a crime to conspire with others to start a mutiny, even if it has not started yet.
If a mutiny is happening, you must use your best efforts to stop it.
You must report any plan or conspiracy to mutiny to your superior officer without delay.
Trying to convince another member of the Force to abandon their duty or allegiance is a mutiny offence.
Conviction for mutiny by a Security Force Court can lead to the death penalty.

Practical examples

1On June 12, 2025, three soldiers agree together to stop taking orders from their Commandant and try to get the whole unit to join them. This is a conspiracy to cause mutiny.

2Anil sees a group of soldiers planning a revolt in the mess hall. He does not tell his officer until the next morning. He is guilty of not giving information without delay.

FAQ

1. Can you be executed for mutiny under Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968?

Yes, Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, states that a person may be liable to suffer death.

2. Do I have to stop a mutiny myself under Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968?

You must use your utmost endeavours to suppress it if you are present, as required by Section 17 of the Act.

3. Does Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, cover helping a regular Army mutiny?

Yes, the section covers mutiny in the Force or in the military, naval, or air forces of India.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, what is the maximum punishment for mutiny?

Q2.Under Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, which of these is an offence?

Q3.Under Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, what must a soldier do if they hear of a conspiracy to revolt?

Q4.According to Section 17 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, seducing a person from their duty to the Union is:

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