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Voicing dissent against govt. is not sedition: Supreme Court
Why is it in news?
- The Supreme Court said in a hearing that voicing dissent against the government does not amount to sedition.
More findings of the Article:
- Supreme Court was hearing a plea to terminate the Lok Sabha membership of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and book him for sedition.
- The Bench dismissed the case levying costs on the petitioners to the tune of ₹50,000.
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.
- Explanation 3.—Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offense under this section.
Source: The Hindu