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Sedition law: SC seeks Centre’s response
Why is it in news?
- The Supreme Court sought response from the Centre on a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of sedition law.
Details:
- The petitioners claimed that they have been raising questions against the government, and have been charged with sedition under section 124A of IPC in various FIRs.
- They claimed that Section 124-A infringes the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
- The sedition law has been in debate ever since it was brought into force by the colonial British rulers in 1860s.
Section 124A of Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- —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.
- Explanation 1.—The expression “disaffection” includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.
- Explanation 2.—Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a view to obtaining their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offense under this section.
Source: The Hindu.