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5th June 2025 (11 Topics)

Official Secrets Act, 1923

Context

Punjab Police’s Special Operation Cell has arrested Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal, a YouTuber from Rupnagar district, for alleged espionage on behalf of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a terror-backed espionage network operating through digital platforms.

Official Secrets Act, 1923

Background:

  • Enacted during the British colonial period to protect state security.
  • Aims to counter espionage, sedition, and threats to national integrity.

Purpose:

  • Prevent spying and unauthorized disclosure of official secrets.
  • Prohibit entry into restricted/prohibited areas related to defence or sensitive government matters.
  • Prevent interference with police or armed forces in sensitive zones.
  • Penalize unauthorized use of official uniforms or falsification of official documents.
Key Offences:
  • Approaching or entering prohibited places.
  • Making or possessing sketches, plans, or notes useful to an enemy.
  • Wrongful communication or publication of secret official codes or information.
  • Harboring spies or communicating with foreign agents.
  • Unauthorized use of uniforms and falsification of reports.
  • Interference with police or armed forces near prohibited places.
Penalties:
  • Imprisonment up to 14 years if offences relate to defence, naval, military, or air force establishments.
  • Up to 3 years imprisonment for other cases.
Important Sections:
  • Section 3: Prohibits prejudicial acts such as spying, communication of secret info, entry into restricted places.
  • Section 4: Communication with foreign agents considered evidence of offences.
  • Section 5: Wrongful communication of information.
  • Section 6: Unauthorized use of uniforms, forgery, false documents.
  • Section 7: Interference with police or armed forces.
  • Section 8: Duty to report offences.
  • Section 9: Attempts or incitements to commit offences.
  • Section 10: Punishment for harboring spies.
  • Section 15: Liability of companies committing offences.
Relevance:
  • Remains vital for safeguarding India's sovereignty and security.
  • Used in cases related to espionage, leaks of sensitive defence information, and national security breaches.

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