In this article, we will discuss Sedition Law. So, let’s get started.
Sedition Law
- Section 124A defines sedition as any action — “whether by words, signs, or visible representation” — which “brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India”.
- The word “disaffection”, the provision explains, “includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity”. However, comments without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, will not constitute an offence under this section.
Basis of Consideration of Sedition Law
- Direction for consideration of sedition law was issued after the Union government filed an affidavit informing the supreme court that it had decided to re-examine the law.
- The deposition, by itself, offered no firm commitment on whether the Government would recommend to Parliament a complete removal of Section 124A.
- But the Bench believed that the offer to reconsider the provision, if nothing else, showed that the Government was in broad agreement with the Court’s prima facie opinion on the matter, that the clause as it stands “is not in tune with the current social milieu, and was intended for a time when this country was under the colonial regime”.
