New Delhi: An interim order blocking the controversial sedition law and the consequent registration of FIRs will continue as the Supreme Court on Monday gave the Center additional time to take “appropriate steps” with regard to the review of the colonial-era provision.
Attorney General R Venkataramani told a bench of Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi that some more time be given to the Center as “something may happen in the winter session of Parliament”.
The Supreme Law Officer said the issue was under consideration of the authorities concerned and furthermore, there was “no cause for concern” in view of the interim order dated May 11, which had stayed the use of the provision.
“The Attorney General, Shri R Venkataramani, submits that with reference to the directions issued by this Court vide order dated 11th May, 2022, the matter is still attracting the attention of the concerned authorities. He is requested to grant some additional time so that Appropriate steps can be taken by the government.
“In view of the interim directions issued by this court on May 11, 2022, every interest and concern is protected and as such there will be no prejudice to anyone. On his request, we adjourn the matter to the second week of January, 2023,” the bench said.
It also took note of some other petitions on the matter and issued notice to the Center seeking its response within six weeks’ time.
In a landmark order passed on May 11, the court had stayed the controversial law until the Center completed its review of the colonial remnants and asked the central and state governments not to file any new cases enforcing the crime. asked to do
It had also directed that the ongoing investigations, pending trials and all proceedings under the sedition law across the country be put on hold and those jailed on charges of sedition can approach the court for bail.
The offense of sedition, which was included in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1890, is under intense public scrutiny for its use as a tool against expression of dissent, including on social media. The British government, during their colonial rule, used the sedition law primarily to suppress dissent and imprison freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
The Editors Guild of India, Major General (Retd) SG Wombatkere, former Union Minister Arun Shourie and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) have filed petitions against the penal provision.
The petitions have argued that the law causes a “silent effect” on freedom of expression and is an unreasonable restriction on free expression, a fundamental right. -PTI
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