Snehal Upadhyay-
The Supreme Court expressed its view on the unrestrained use of sedition law in the country and the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana expressed doubt at continuing the use of the Section 124A of IPC which was written during the colonial era.
The Chief Justice of India observed that “This dispute about the law is concerned, its colonial law, it was meant to suppress the freedom movement, the same law was used by British to silence Mahatma Gandhi, Tilak etc. Still is it necessary after 75 years of independence?”
The Court also stated that it’s not blaming any state or government for misusing the provision but there are several executing agencies and authorities that misuse it.
The CJI said that Section 124A gives anonymous power even a police officer can misuse it and if any Political party doesn’t intend to hear a voice that goes against them, they will misuse the powers granted in Section 124A.
“Our concern is a misuse of law and no accountability of executive agencies,” the CJI further added.
The Supreme Court was hearing the petition by Army Veteran Major-general SG Vombatkere challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124A of IPC on grounds of being violating Freedom of Speech and Expression.
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