Sedition law on ice till govt takes call

SC uses soft language saying it would be appropriate not to use it; those charged under 124A can seek judicial relief

- PRATHMA SHARMA

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday sprung a surprise by almost putting the colonial era sedition law on hold, though its interim order did not say it in as many words.

In a measured tone, the court said it would be appropriate not to continue with the usage of the sedition law across the country till the re-examination of the Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 is completed by the Centre.

The court directed that all pending trials, appeals and proceedings with respect to charges framed under the sedition law be kept in abeyance till then. In effect, those who have been arrested under sedition charges can now seek bail.

“Adjudication with respect to other sections, if any, could proceed if the courts are of the opinion that no prejudice would be caused to the accused," the interim order by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana said.

In the interregnum, the court hoped that state and Central governments will restrain from registering any FIR, continuing any investigation or taking any coercive measures by invoking 124A.