New Delhi: Supreme court On Tuesday, the Center was allowed to investigate again sedition law and sought a response from the government on the suggestion that the registration of new cases under the colonial-era law be put on hold until the review process is over.
A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana expressed concern over a cap on Section 124A being dropped, but took note of the Centre’s contention that the government had sought “re-examination and reconsideration” of the sedition law by an “appropriate forum”. has decided. ,
The top court also asked the Center whether it can frame guidelines for states to ensure that those already arrested have rights. Section 124A The reviews are safe until the end.
“We are making it very clear. We want directions. We will give you time till tomorrow. Our specific questions are: one regarding pending cases and second, how will the government take care of future cases,” the bench said.
It sought a response on the issue saying “whether future cases can be put on hold till the review is over”.
solicitor General Tushar MehtaAppearing for the Centre, he said he would take directions from the government and apprise the bench on Wednesday.
The Center had earlier told the apex court that an competent forum would reconsider the sedition law.
The affidavit, filed by an official of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the government “has decided to re-examine and reconsider the provisions of section 124A of the IPC which can only be done before a competent forum.”
“…It is respectfully submitted that this Hon’ble Court cannot take time to examine the validity of Section 124A of the IPC once again and wait for the exercise of reconsideration to be done by the Government of India before a reasonable time. may be pleased in the forum where such reconsideration is constitutionally permitted,” the affidavit said.
However, the Center on Saturday defended the punitive law on sedition and the Constitution Bench’s 1962 judgment while upholding its validity, saying they have withstood the “test of time” for nearly six decades and found instances of its misuse. can never be justified. reconsider.
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said the change in government’s stance was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to release the “colonial burden” by removing all obsolete and colonial laws.
Rijiju said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly expressed his views in favor of protection of civil liberties, respect for human rights and giving meaning to constitutional freedoms.
He also said that the government will “appropriately” take into account the views of the stakeholders and ensure that the sovereignty and integrity of the country is protected while re-examining and reconsidering the law on sedition.
The top court is hearing petitions challenging the validity of the law on sedition, which is under intense public scrutiny by various governments for its alleged misuse to settle political scores.
(with inputs from agencies)
A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana expressed concern over a cap on Section 124A being dropped, but took note of the Centre’s contention that the government had sought “re-examination and reconsideration” of the sedition law by an “appropriate forum”. has decided. ,
The top court also asked the Center whether it can frame guidelines for states to ensure that those already arrested have rights. Section 124A The reviews are safe until the end.
“We are making it very clear. We want directions. We will give you time till tomorrow. Our specific questions are: one regarding pending cases and second, how will the government take care of future cases,” the bench said.
It sought a response on the issue saying “whether future cases can be put on hold till the review is over”.
solicitor General Tushar MehtaAppearing for the Centre, he said he would take directions from the government and apprise the bench on Wednesday.
The Center had earlier told the apex court that an competent forum would reconsider the sedition law.
The affidavit, filed by an official of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the government “has decided to re-examine and reconsider the provisions of section 124A of the IPC which can only be done before a competent forum.”
“…It is respectfully submitted that this Hon’ble Court cannot take time to examine the validity of Section 124A of the IPC once again and wait for the exercise of reconsideration to be done by the Government of India before a reasonable time. may be pleased in the forum where such reconsideration is constitutionally permitted,” the affidavit said.
However, the Center on Saturday defended the punitive law on sedition and the Constitution Bench’s 1962 judgment while upholding its validity, saying they have withstood the “test of time” for nearly six decades and found instances of its misuse. can never be justified. reconsider.
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said the change in government’s stance was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to release the “colonial burden” by removing all obsolete and colonial laws.
Rijiju said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly expressed his views in favor of protection of civil liberties, respect for human rights and giving meaning to constitutional freedoms.
He also said that the government will “appropriately” take into account the views of the stakeholders and ensure that the sovereignty and integrity of the country is protected while re-examining and reconsidering the law on sedition.
The top court is hearing petitions challenging the validity of the law on sedition, which is under intense public scrutiny by various governments for its alleged misuse to settle political scores.
(with inputs from agencies)